Mann Ki Baat: Modi Recalls 2016 Start Up Push
- Mann Ki Baat highlights India’s start up growth journey
- Mann Ki Baat stresses quality, democracy and public action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the first edition of Mann Ki Baat for 2026 to look back at 2016 and underline India’s growth as a global start up hub. He recalled the launch of Start up India in January 2016 and said the journey began when many people did not fully understand its scale. However, he noted that the initiative later became a key driver of economic change and innovation across the country.
During Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said India has now become the world’s third largest start up ecosystem. He pointed out that young entrepreneurs are leading ventures in new and complex fields. These include artificial intelligence, space technology, nuclear energy, semiconductors, green hydrogen, mobility and biotechnology. He praised the courage of young founders for stepping beyond comfort zones. Meanwhile, he said global attention is now firmly on India’s economic transformation.
Modi also used Mann Ki Baat to stress the importance of quality in manufacturing and industry. He said the era of casual and makeshift production has ended. Therefore, he urged businesses to follow the principle of “quality, quality and only quality.” Repeating his call for “Zero Defect, Zero Effect,” he said Indian goods must gain global recognition for high standards. He added that products ranging from textiles and electronics to packaging should reflect this focus as India moves towards the goal of a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat.
The Prime Minister also announced the India AI Impact Summit during Mann Ki Baat. He said the summit will take place in New Delhi from February 15 to 20. It will bring together global leaders, CEOs and experts. They will discuss India’s progress in artificial intelligence and related areas. Later, he spoke ahead of Republic Day and paid tribute to the Constitution and its makers. He reminded citizens that January 25 is observed as National Voters’ Day and described voters as the foundation of democracy.
He encouraged young people to register as voters once they turn 18. He also suggested that families and communities should celebrate first time voters. He thanked election workers and described voting as both a constitutional duty and a way to strengthen democratic values. Meanwhile, Modi highlighted community driven environmental efforts. These included the revival of the Tamsa river in Azamgarh and the restoration of reservoirs in drought hit Anantapur.
He also spoke about cultural and social efforts. He mentioned the rise of bhajan clubbing, praised the Indian diaspora in Malaysia for preserving Indian languages, and welcomed the UAE’s decision to declare 2026 as the Year of the Family. He also lauded cleanliness drives led by youth and environmental initiatives like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, which has crossed 200 crore tree plantations. He concluded Mann Ki Baat by again promoting millets or Shree Anna, citing examples of women farmers, rural entrepreneurs and temples adopting them to boost incomes and health.
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