Natural disasters testing country: PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

In the 125th episode of the “Mann Ki Baat” programme, he also highlighted two major achievements of Jammu and Kashmir amid the devastating natural calamity — the first day-night cricket match in Pulwama and the ‘Khelo India Water Sports Festival’ at Dal Lake in Srinagar.

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“During this monsoon season, natural disasters are testing the country. In the last few weeks, we have witnessed massive havoc caused by floods and landslides. Homes torn apart, fields submerged, and entire families destroyed.”

“The relentless surge of water swept away bridges; roads got washed away, and people’s lives were in danger. These incidents have saddened every Indian,” Mr. Modi said in the radio broadcast.

The Prime Minister hailed the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and security forces during the rescue operation amid mayhem.

“Wherever there was a crisis, our NDRF-SDRF personnel and other security forces worked day and night to save people. The soldiers also took the help of technology. Efforts were made to speed up relief work with the help of thermal cameras, live detectors, sniffer dogs and drone surveillance.”

“During this, relief material was delivered by helicopters, and the injured were airlifted. Armed forces came forward to help in times of disaster. Local people, social workers, doctors, administration — everyone made every possible effort in this hour of crisis. I heartily thank every such citizen who prioritised humanity in these difficult times,” he said.

Mr. Modi noted that amid the devastation caused by floods and rains, Jammu and Kashmir has also achieved two very special achievements.

“Not many people noticed these. But you will be happy to know about those achievements. A record number of people gathered in a stadium in Pulwama. Pulwama’s first day-night cricket match was played here. Earlier this was impossible, but now my country is changing,” he said.

In Frames: Mud, rock, and water

Havoc unleashed: The village of Chashoti in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir was among the worst-aected by the floods.

Storm’s toll: Vehicles damaged in the flash floods

To the rescue: Stranded pilgrims are helped across a water channel using a makeshift bridge a day after the flash floods.

Wrath of the river: A view of the overflowing Beas river after incessant rain in Kullu

Wrath of the river: A view of the overflowing Beas river after incessant rain in Kullu

Trail of destruction: Damaged homes and vehicles in Chashoti.

Silent sentinel: A bridge over the swollen Jhelum stands deserted in Srinagar.

Grave loss: A woman breaks down after the death of a relative.

Away from danger: The Jammu and Kashmir Police evacuate people after water entered houses due to heavy rain in Srinagar.

Anxious wait: People stand in a queue for relief materials after flash floods caused by torrential rain in Jammu.

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“The second event that caught attention was the country’s first ‘Khelo India Water Sports Festival’ and that too held at Dal Lake in Srinagar. Truly, what a special place to host a festival like this.”

Mr. Modi said more than 800 athletes from across India participated in it. “Women athletes were not far behind; their participation was nearly equal to that of men. I would like to congratulate all the participants,” the Prime Minister added.

Digital Platform ‘Pratibha Setu’ for UPSC aspirants missing final list

Mr. Modi announced the launch of a new digital platform ‘Pratibha Setu’ aimed at supporting aspirants of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations who narrowly missed making it to the final merit list.

PM Modi described the UPSC exam as one of the most challenging competitive tests in the country and referred to the inspiring journeys of several aspirants.

The Prime Minister, in his address, said, “My dear countrymen, you must have heard the name of UPSC. This institution conducts the Civil Services exam, one of the toughest exams in the country. All of us have heard many inspiring stories from the toppers of the Civil Services. These youngsters study under difficult circumstances and through their hard work, get a place in this service, but friends, there is another truth about the UPSC exam.”

He further added, “There are thousands of such candidates who are very capable; their hard work is no less than anyone else’s, but they are unable to reach the final list by a small margin. These candidates have to prepare afresh for other exams. That cost both their time and money. That is why, now a digital platform has been created for such sincere students and its name is ‘Pratibha Setu’.”

‘”Pratibha Setu’ stores the data of those candidates who cleared all the stages of various exams of UPSC, but their names did not appear in the final merit list,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister, in his “Mann ki baat” address, said that the databank on ‘Pratibha Setu’ already has details of over 10,000 such talented youth, which can be accessed for future opportunities.

Union Minister J.P. Nadda listened to the PM’s address in Mumbai; meanwhile, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, along with Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, did so in the national capital.

Published – August 31, 2025 12:30 pm IST