Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged Indian industry and start-ups to adopt quality and excellence as their defining standards, saying the era of “somehow it works” is over as India emerges as the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem.

Addressing the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat—the first broadcast of 2026—ahead of Republic Day on January 26, the Prime Minister linked India’s rapid economic growth with civic responsibility, innovation and people-led social change.

“India’s economy is progressing rapidly and the world is watching us,” PM Modi said. “At such a time, we all carry a great responsibility—quality, quality and only quality. Excellence must become our benchmark.”

He began the address by referring to National Voters’ Day, observed on January 25, describing voting as both a constitutional duty and a privilege. He urged young citizens to register as voters as soon as they turn 18 and suggested celebrating the milestone with the same enthusiasm as birthdays.

“A voter is the soul of democracy,” the Prime Minister said, encouraging first-time voters to participate actively and help spread awareness in their communities.

Reflecting on the launch of the Start-up India initiative in January 2016, PM Modi said the past decade has transformed the country’s innovation ecosystem. He noted that Indian start-ups are now working in areas such as artificial intelligence, space technology, green hydrogen and biotechnology—sectors that were “unimaginable 10 years ago”.

“Today, India has become the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world,” he said, praising young entrepreneurs for stepping out of their comfort zones and creating history.

Reiterating his “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” vision, the Prime Minister stressed that Indian products—ranging from textiles and electronics to packaging—must meet the highest global quality standards to realise the goal of Viksit Bharat.

A major portion of the broadcast focused on community-driven initiatives from across the country. PM Modi praised residents of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh for reviving the Tamsa river through a people’s movement, and villagers in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, for restoring water bodies and increasing green cover under the Ananta Neeru Sanrakshanam Project.

He also highlighted initiatives such as a community kitchen in Gujarat’s Chandanki village and an anti-addiction campaign in Sheikhgund village of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir.

“This spirit of public participation and collective effort is our greatest strength,” he said.

Commenting on evolving cultural trends, PM Modi welcomed the growing popularity of “bhajan clubbing” among Gen Z, calling it a creative fusion of modern expression and spiritual tradition that maintains the sanctity of devotional music.

He also lauded Swachh Bharat efforts led by youth volunteers in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, recycling initiatives in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, and the work of individual environmental champions such as West Bengal’s Benoy Das and Madhya Pradesh forest guard Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar, who documented medicinal plants for future generations.

Highlighting the scale of environmental action, the Prime Minister said more than 200 crore trees have been planted across the country under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

PM Modi also welcomed the growing popularity of millets, or Shree Anna, crediting women farmer collectives in Tamil Nadu and farmer producer companies in Rajasthan for adding value through processing and innovation. He noted that temples adopting millets in prasad have helped boost farmer incomes while promoting better health.

He praised the Indian diaspora in Malaysia for preserving Indian languages and culture, citing Tamil schools and heritage walks organised by the Malaysia India Heritage Society.

“I am proud of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia. They are bringing India and Malaysia even closer,” he said.

Concluding the broadcast, the Prime Minister announced that the India AI Impact Summit would be held in February, bringing together global technology experts to showcase India’s progress in artificial intelligence.

Extending Republic Day greetings, PM Modi said Mann Ki Baat would continue to highlight grassroots achievements and national milestones.

“This programme gives all of us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our country’s achievements,” he said, signing off with best wishes to the nation.