New Delhi: On Sunday morning, when the entire nation sat in front of radio and TV sets to listen to 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address touched upon a topic which once again made India's stand on terrorism clear to the whole world. In the 138th episode, PM Modi mentioned those major military actions of the last decade, which gave a new direction to India's security policy.
In his address, the Prime Minister clearly said that India does not show any leniency in the matter of terrorism. He stressed that if any terrorist organization tries to target the country, it will get a befitting reply. This statement of PM Modi was an important focus of that part of his address, which focused on national security and India's fight against terrorism.
Journey from Surgical Strike to Operation Sindoor
Taking his point forward, the Prime Minister recalled three major anti-terrorism operations conducted in the last ten years. First he mentioned the 2016 surgical strike, which was carried out on September 28-29 on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in response to the Uri terror attack. He then talked about the 2019 Balakot air strike, which was carried out after the Pulwama terror attack by targeting the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan.
In this context, the Prime Minister also mentioned Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in 2025, whose target was Pakistan and terrorist hideouts located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Citing these three operations, PM Modi said that India has repeatedly given the message that any attack on the country will not go without response.
India's policy of retaliatory action on its own terms
Earlier too, the Prime Minister had termed Operation Sindoor as a new standard in India's fight against terrorism. He called it a part of India's policy, under which the country responds to terrorist attacks on its own terms and not under any pressure. The government has also identified the 2016 surgical strikes, 2019 Balakot air strikes and 2025 Operation Sindoor as key events that reflect India's strong stance against cross-border terrorism.
Tribute to Ashok Singhal
In his address, the Prime Minister also paid heartfelt tribute to Shri Ashok Singhal on the occasion of his birth centenary. Recalling Singhal ji's lifelong dedication towards society and nation building, he said that his contribution will always inspire the coming generations.
Told census as national responsibility
During the program, PM Modi also spoke in detail on the importance of census. He called it not just a government process but a national responsibility of every citizen and said that participation of every person in the country is necessary in this process.
138th episode and audience participation
It is noteworthy that this was the 138th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', which was telecast at exactly 11 am on Sunday morning. This time the episode especially focused on India's declared stand on terrorism and the message of zero tolerance. Ahead of the telecast, the programme's official account had appealed to people across the country to share inspirational stories, innovative ideas and initiatives that have a positive impact on society. Listeners were also encouraged to send their suggestions and experiences through MyGov and NaMo apps.