NEW DELHI, May 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to take all necessary precautions during the ongoing hot weather, advising them to stay hydrated, avoid excessive exposure to the sun and follow guidelines issued by government agencies.
Addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister recommended traditional summer beverages such as Aam Panna, buttermilk, lassi, sattu sherbet, bael pana, panakam, neer mor, sambaram, kokum sherbet and sol kadhi to beat the heat. He said these drinks, prepared across different regions of the country, reflect the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and embody generations of wisdom despite lacking commercial branding.
Referring to the summer season’s association with mangoes, Modi highlighted popular varieties including Langra from Kashi, Alphonso from Maharashtra, Kesar from Gujarat and Himsagar from West Bengal. He praised mango growers, noting that the fruit’s journey from villages to international markets has strengthened the agricultural economy.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the recent return of ancient Chola-era copper plates from the Netherlands, describing them as valuable records of the Chola dynasty’s achievements, maritime strength and relations with Southeast Asian countries. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage and highlighted the discovery of three rare copper plates linked to the Panduvanshi dynasty in Chhattisgarh under the Gyan Bharatam Abhiyan.
Highlighting sporting achievements, Modi congratulated athletes Gurinder Veer Singh, Vishal TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar for setting national records at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi. He also interacted with Gurinder Veer Singh and Animesh Kujur during the programme.
Encouraging scientific curiosity among youth, the Prime Minister noted the growing popularity of astronomy clubs across the country and urged students to join such clubs and visit planetariums during their holidays.
Modi also highlighted conservation efforts, including the rescue of a Gangetic dolphin trapped in a canal in Uttar Pradesh with the help of India’s first Ganga dolphin rescue ambulance under the Namami Gange programme. He said protecting the dolphin also helps preserve the river ecosystem and a valuable natural heritage.
The Prime Minister lauded several individuals for their contributions to society, including Saji Valasheril of Kerala, who has taught more than 15,000 people swimming free of cost; Akash Gupta of Uttar Pradesh for leading a river-cleaning initiative; and retired teacher Balkrishna Aiya of Goa for addressing local water issues.
He also praised teacher Girija Amma of Tamil Nadu, whose initiative inspired schoolchildren to contribute Re 1 daily for soldiers, raising around Rs 40 lakh for the cause. Modi further commended Chennai’s first Hindu school network for its role in promoting education and cultural pride.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged citizens to recognise and support individuals working selflessly for society and to actively participate in causes that contribute to nation-building. (Agencies)
