Anti-Drug Challenge for Youth, Avocado Farming Success, and PM Svanidhi Empowerment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday, August 30, 2026, during the 137th episode of his monthly radio broadcast, 'Mann Ki Baat'. In this comprehensive address, the Prime Minister touched upon a wide array of vital subjects ranging from national security and historical awareness to public health initiatives and agricultural entrepreneurship. Engaging directly with citizens, PM Modi issued a creative challenge to the country's youth to combat drug abuse, highlighted inspiring grassroots success stories like avocado farming and women street vendors, and celebrated global patriotic milestones.PM Modi Issues Creative Challenge to Youth in Fight Against Drug AddictionA central focus of the Prime Minister's address was the rapidly growing "Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India" campaign. Emphasizing that substance abuse destroys not just individuals but entire families and communities, PM Modi called for a collective societal commitment to eradicate the menace. To make the anti-drug campaign more engaging and effective, the Prime Minister assigned a special task to the nation's creative minds.He urged young musicians, content creators, and theater students to use their talents to spread awareness. PM Modi suggested that musicians compose catchy songs conveying the message of a drug-free life, while drama students write compelling short plays highlighting the dangers of addiction. He encouraged content creators across various Indian languages to produce impactful digital material and share their efforts on social media platforms using the dedicated hashtag #DrugFreeYouth. Pointing out that creative outreach often surpasses traditional campaigns in impact, the Prime Minister urged every citizen to actively participate in safeguarding the country's youth.Agricultural Innovation: How Avocado Cultivation is Transforming Farmer IncomesShifting focus to agricultural diversification, PM Modi shared an inspiring success story that highlights the shifting trends in Indian farming. Discussing the rising popularity and demand for avocados—a fruit that was once rarely consumed or known in many parts of the country—the Prime Minister cited the remarkable journey of Varadaraj, a farmer from Andhra Pradesh.Previously limited to traditional tomato and potato farming, Varadaraj learned modern avocado cultivation techniques through YouTube videos after observing a friend's success. Today, he successfully produces and supplies over 4 tonnes of avocados to local shopkeepers, significantly boosting his financial stability and proving how digital literacy and modern agriculture can revolutionize rural incomes.Making History Accessible and Exciting Through Digital InnovationHighlighting the importance of connecting with the nation's rich past, PM Modi praised an innovative history website created by Mumbai-based engineer and MBA professional Krishna Seshadri. Seshadri developed the digital platform out of a childhood passion for history, allowing users to easily select any specific year and discover which dynasties and rulers governed different parts of India at that time.The Prime Minister commended the initiative for making history as engaging as a compelling story. He noted that traditional history education often focuses on a few major empires, frequently missing out on important historical dynasties like the Cholas, Pallavas, the Karkotas of Kashmir, and the Ahoms of Assam. Seshadri’s website bridges this gap, making historical exploration accessible and inspiring for students and enthusiasts alike.Celebrating National Pride: The Global Journey of 'Suryapath Tiranga'Reflecting on recent patriotic milestones, PM Modi recalled the fervor surrounding Independence Day, National Space Day, and the ongoing 150th anniversary celebrations of "Vande Mataram". He noted that more than 80 million tricolor selfies were uploaded by enthusiastic citizens this year under the "Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan".Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the unique global journey of the national flag through the "Suryapath Tiranga" initiative. The tricolor was hoisted with the very first rays of the sun in Suva, the capital of Fiji, and subsequently flew proudly across Indian embassies and missions throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and all the way to San Francisco in the United States, showcasing worldwide patriotic zeal.Empowering Women Through the PM Svanidhi YojanaConcluding his address, PM Modi underscored the transformative economic impact of the PM Svanidhi Yojana on women street vendors across urban and rural India. Noting that women comprise approximately 46 percent of the scheme's beneficiaries—translating to nearly 3.5 million empowered women—the Prime Minister shared inspiring examples like Babita Sharma from Ghaziabad and T.S. Ningamma from Bengaluru.Both women utilized financial support from the PM Svanidhi scheme to scale up their small roadside stalls, expand their inventories, and substantially increase household income. PM Modi emphasized that when a woman's business grows, it directly secures a brighter future and better educational opportunities for her children, driving holistic community development.