‘Mann Ki Baat’ gives national recognition to grassroots innovations, inspiring efforts: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister listens to 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, calls for collective efforts for ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat’ Campaign

Raipur, August 30, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has emerged as a platform that brings grassroots innovations, inspiring initiatives and people working for society and the nation to the national spotlight.

Speaking after listening to the 137th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at Niranjan Dharamshala in Raipur, Shri Sai said the programme has become a means of direct communication between the Prime Minister and citizens across the country.

He said many people in remote villages and smaller regions work for society and the nation without seeking publicity. Their efforts in areas such as environmental protection, sanitation and local innovation receive wider recognition through the programme, encouraging others to take up similar initiatives.

Chief Minister also highlighted the Prime Minister’s message on the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat’ (Drug-Free Youth, Developed India) campaign, saying keeping young people away from addiction is a collective responsibility of families, society and the nation. He urged people in Chhattisgarh to actively participate in efforts towards de-addiction and encourage young people to lead healthy and positive lives.

Shri Sai said the response to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign reflected people’s respect and pride for the national flag. More than 8 crore people uploaded selfies with the Tricolour as part of the campaign, he said.

He also noted the role of the PM SVANidhi scheme in supporting women engaged in street vending and small businesses. Women account for around 46 per cent of the scheme’s beneficiaries, with nearly 35 lakh women across the country using the scheme to expand their small businesses, he said.

Chief Minister said lasting change in sanitation requires cleanliness to become a shared responsibility and a daily habit among citizens.

Referring to the mention of Mission ShaktiSAT in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Shri Sai said girls of our country are increasingly pursuing opportunities in space science and technology. He expressed pride that Chhattisgarh’s Mahima Rajput is part of the initiative, and congratulated her while extending his best wishes for her bright future. The initiative gives thousands of students from India and other countries an opportunity to learn about satellite technology and innovation.

Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh has also been featured in several episodes of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, with the Prime Minister highlighting initiatives and achievements ranging from the Bastar Olympics to ancient copper plates found in Malhar and blackbuck conservation efforts.

He said such recognition of the state’s innovations, culture, heritage and public initiatives on a national platform encourages people in Chhattisgarh to contribute further to social development and nation-building.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Laxmi Verma, Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, MLAs Shri Motilal Sahu and Shri Purandar Mishra, saints, chairpersons of various corporations and boards, public representatives and a large number of citizens were also present on the occasion.