Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Mr Modi said today, the 26th of July, is a date that does not require a calendar to be remembered, as Kargil Vijay Diwas is being celebrated today.

Mr Modi said this day fills everyone with pride and reminds people of the extraordinary courage of the nation's brave soldiers. He bowed to the martyrs and soldiers, saying they sacrificed their all for the defence of Mother India.

Mr Modi urged everyone to pay tribute to the martyrs and further strengthen the resolve to build a secure, capable, and self-reliant India.

The Prime Minister said that a special 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' has been organised this year, which began on the 14th of July from the National War Memorial in Delhi.

This motorcycle rally will reach the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. Its message is - "One Ride, One Nation, One Salute." Mr Modi said that this journey reminds everyone that the sacrifice made for the nation can never be forgotten.

Mr Modi said India is continuously strengthening her technological capabilities. He highlighted the recent induction of INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy. This modern warship has been designed and built in India itself. More than 75 per cent of the materials used in it are indigenous.

The Prime Minister called it a symbol of the growing strength of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. He was pleased to note that the DRDO also successfully tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket this very month.

DRDO also successfully tested the Kusha missile a few days ago. Mr Modi lauded the collective perseverance of Indian scientists and engineers.

The prime minister stated that a major agreement regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded during his Indonesia visit earlier this month. He expressed satisfaction at the growing global confidence in India's defence equipment and technology.

The prime minister said every Indian is filled with pride following the successful launch of 'Vikram-1' last Sunday. He elaborated that it is India's first rocket developed by the private sector. Mr Modi praised young innovators for displaying remarkable skill, passion, and patience.

He said that the country's space sector remained closed to the private sector for a long time, denying many interested young people the opportunity to showcase their talent. He emphasised that his government opened up the Space sector to private enterprise, and the world is witnessing the results today.

Under this initiative, fresh momentum is being given to rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, rejuvenation of old water bodies, and tree plantation. Mr Modi expressed delight at the overwhelming participation from people everywhere - be it villages or cities, panchayats or social organisations.

He informed that at some places, silt is being removed from old ponds, while wells and stepwells are being revived at other places. Borewells no longer in use are serving as channels for groundwater recharge.

The Prime Minister added that around 1,500 ponds have been constructed in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. 'Amrit Sarovars' have been restored in Narsinghpur and significant water storage capacity has been developed in Nashik, Maharashtra. In Nandyal of Andhra Pradesh, all Gram panchayats have joined this campaign, and old ponds have been made functional again.