Modi Urges People to Take Precautions Amid Scorching Heat

Referring to the prevailing heat conditions, he said people should exercise care while going outdoors. He also noted that traditional dietary practices adapt to seasonal conditions, with households turning to locally prepared drinks.

He said, “You are also familiar with these desi drinks. If you go to North India, you will find aam panna in many places, the taste of raw mango, and relief from the heat. If you go to Punjab or Haryana, you'll find lassi in large glasses. Buttermilk in Rajasthan and Gujarat is like a companion to every meal.”

“And what's more, Sattu sharbat in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh is simply amazing – it fills the stomach and provides strength. Kokum sherbet and Sol Kadhi in Konkan and Goa. Panakam, Neer Mor, Sambaram in South India, and Bael Pana in Odisha aren't just drinks, they're a part of the traditions of different regions of India. And they also reflect the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat," Modi said.

Highlighting seasonal produce, he said mango varieties across regions reflected diversity in taste and culture. “Hapus or alphonso of Maharashtra, Kesar of Gujarat — these are the lifeblood of 'aamras'; Dussehri of Uttar Pradesh and Langra of Kashi. There are mangoes from Bihar, whose aroma can be smelt from far. Chausa, Malda - memories of people are tied to every name,” he said. adding that if someone goes to South India, people will find other varieties like Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelam, Malgova; there is Himsagar in Bengal; Suvarnarekha of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

“In other words, the place changes, and so does the mango's form, colour, and taste...This journey of the mango is now reaching from villages to the global market,” he added.

The Prime Minister also interacted with athletes Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur, noting recent national records in athletics. “One event that is being widely discussed across the country is the 100-metre race. Within just two days, the national record in the men's 100-metre race was broken three times. The two athletes who achieved this feat are Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur,” he said.

He referred to community initiatives, including a swimming training effort in Kerala and educational contributions by institutions, and highlighted the return of Chola-era copper plates from the Netherlands, noting their historical significance.

Referring to a swimming club run by Saji Valasheril at Aluva, Kerala, Modi said that more than 15,000 people, including specially abled individuals, have learnt swimming there.

"Saji ji has also taught swimming to Divyang children. Lying behind this effort, there is a hidden pain too," he said.

The Prime Minister stated that Saji started the initiative after a boat tragedy a few years ago, where several students had died.

"That incident shook Saji ji deeply. He thought, if the children knew how to swim, perhaps many lives could have been saved, and that's where his campaign began," he said.

Referring to the Chola-era copper plates returned by the Netherlands during his recent five-nation tour, the Prime Minister said that he had been receiving messages from people in India and abroad regarding them.

"There is a lot of curiosity among people about these copper plates. Hence, today I would like to share some information related to them. These include 21 large and 3 small copper plates. They primarily relate to King Rajendra Chola the first, fulfilling a vow made by his father, King Rajaraja Chola," he said.

Modi said that the plates mention the donation of the village of Anaimangalam to a Buddhist monastery and also document the achievements of the Chola dynasty.

"They reveal how formidable the Chola Empire's maritime power was. They also provide information about their relations with Southeast Asian countries," he said.

The Prime Minister said that astronomy has fascinated generations of Indians and highlighted that the Bangalore Astronomical Society has launched a mission to popularise the subject in rural areas.

"Gazing at the stars at night is an entrancing experience in itself. An organisation called Astro Kerala organises night observation camps and workshops. Here, young people learn to make telescopes and use star maps. The Big Bang Astronomy Club of Rajkot has organised numerous astronomy events -- from the Gir forests to the Rann of Kutch," he said.

Modi also spoked about educator Girija Amma from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, who runs 15 schools, including the Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai. The Prime Minister said that her patriotic spirit inspires every Indian.

"Inspired by Mann Ki Baat, she pledged to contribute to many soldiers in the country. To do this, she inspired the students of all her schools. She asked the children to contribute one rupee every day for the brave soldiers. This means that each student collected 365 rupees in a year. Through these small contributions, approximately 40 lakh rupees were collected," he said.

Modi further stated that Girija Amma later handed over a cheque for the entire amount and this reflects her deep dedication to Mother India.

The Prime Minister noted that Chennai's first Hindu school celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

"The role of this school network in advancing the country's education and cultural pride is commendable. I congratulate everyone involved and especially appreciate the students who contributed to our brave soldiers. In every village and city of India, something or the other is happening that inspires us," he added.