Modi champions clean energy, digital Census in 'Mann Ki Baat', pays tribute to Tagore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 26) stressed on clean energy and other issues as he spoke in the 133rd episode of his popular ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme. Two of them are wind and nuclear energy. In a key message, he said the country must save electricity and adopt clean energy.

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The other subjects that he touched upon included the birthday of Rabindranath Tagore on May 9, the ongoing census exercise in the country, the significance of the teachings of Lord Buddha, the unique Beating Retreat ceremony that India held in January, Indian cheese earning a reputation, a flourishing bamboo sector in the northeast, and Indian girls excelling in mathematics in foreign contests, among others.

On wind and nuclear energy

The PM revealed in his address that India’s wind energy generation capacity has crossed 56 gigawatts (GW), with 6.1 GW of new capacity added in 2025-26 alone, the country’s best-ever annual addition.

“It is not just about the environment; it is about securing our future, and we all have a role to play in it,” Modi said.

India now ranks fourth globally in wind energy, with an additional 28 GW under implementation.

Recently, Union Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed confidence that India will achieve 100 GW wind capacity by 2030 and 156 GW by 2036, working towards the net-zero target by 2070.

On the nuclear front, the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved first criticality on April 6 — a major step in India's long-term energy security strategy. Fast Breeder Reactors are a cornerstone of India's long-term nuclear strategy. Unlike conventional thermal reactors, the PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.

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"Our nuclear scientists have brought glory to India through a major achievement. The fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu has achieved criticality,” Modi said.

Census 2027

On Census 2027, he said it is not just a government exercise but a responsibility of all citizens to take part in it. He said all information that people share with those carrying out the exercise will remain confidential.

“Friends, the national Census is not just a government task; it is a responsibility for all of us. Your participation is vital. The information you provide remains completely secure and confidential, protected by robust digital security,” he said.

“Census 2027 has been made digital. All information is being recorded directly through digital means,” Modi said, adding that it would make the process smooth. The latest census is taking place five years after schedule, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Remembering Rabindranath Tagore

Pointing out that the birth anniversary of Bengali bard Tagore will be celebrated on May 9, Modi gave a tribute to the icon by calling him a multi-faceted personality.

“He was not only a great writer and thinker, but he also shaped many famous institutions. Gurudev Tagore was in favour of such industries for the people, in which the welfare of villages is also available, along with providing permanent employment. The impact of his Rabindra Sangeet continues all over the world even today. For me, the visits to Santiniketan were unforgettable. This is the same institution which he nurtured with full dedication. My humble tribute to him once again,” the PM said. His words came a few days ahead of the second phase of the Assembly elections in Bengal.

Indian cheese

On the growing popularity of Indian cheese abroad, Modi said he said on social media a few days ago that two indigenous brands were awarded at an international cheese contest in Brazil, and it was widely discussed.

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“A big change is taking place in India's dairy sector. Value addition in this sector has given a new identity to our traditional taste. Today, Indian cheese is making its place all over the world,” Modi added.

Nature's conservation

The PM said India was seeing successful stories of conservation of nature emerging from different parts of the country. From the Flamingoes building their happy nests in the Rann of Kutch to decreasing conflicts between men and animals in Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region, where ‘Gaj Mitra’ initiatives have been taken to conserve the blackbuck and the Great Indian Bustard bird in various places such as central India and the desert belts, Modi said efforts to conserve nature are paying off.

He also recalled history saying May reminds Indians of the First War of Independence of 1857. He said this time marks summer holidays for schoolchildren and advised them to enjoy their holidays to the fullest and learn something new.