Bhubaneswar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 124th edition of his popular radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, turned the nation’s attention to two heartwarming and inspiring stories from the heart of Odisha shining a spotlight on community-led change, cultural pride, and women’s empowerment.
In his address on Sunday, the Prime Minister applauded the efforts of Keonjhar’s Radhakrishna Sankirtan Mandali, led by the dynamic Pramila Pradhan, for using the power of devotional music to combat forest fires. Armed with traditional instruments and spiritual lyrics, this women-led group is trekking from village to village, raising awareness on environmental conservation in a language the people understand music.
“They have blended devotion with duty spreading divine melodies while saving our forests,” said PM Modi, admiring their unique model of grassroots activism.
Equally impactful was his mention of Mayurbhanj’s tribal women, who have breathed new life into the traditional Santali saree. More than 650 tribal women have revived this ancient handwoven attire, turning it into a symbol of self-reliance and cultural resurgence. Through this initiative, they are not just preserving their identity but also earning thousands of rupees in sustainable income.
“These women are weaving tradition into threads of empowerment,” the Prime Minister remarked.
From forest protection through folk music to economic independence through heritage weaving, Odisha’s unsung heroes are now inspiring the entire nation and their stories are resonating from the forests of Keonjhar to the tribal heartland of Mayurbhanj, right into the Prime Minister’s microphone.
