Guwahati, March 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spotlighted the growing contribution of the Northeast in India’s development journey, citing examples from the region in clean energy adoption, cultural preservation and community-led initiatives during his 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat.
Referring to the region’s renewable energy expansion, Modi said that the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are increasingly visible in parts of the Northeast. He highlighted how solar mini-grids have transformed life in remote tribal areas of Tripura, enabling households to access electricity, children to study after dusk, and improving overall quality of life.
The Prime Minister noted that villages in Tripura, particularly those inhabited by the Riang community, have witnessed significant change through solar electrification.
“Children are now able to study even after dusk, people can charge mobile phones, and the social life of villages has changed,” he said, urging citizens to participate in India’s growing solar revolution.
Modi also highlighted the unique Morung system of learning in Nagaland, where traditional knowledge is passed down through storytelling, folk songs and community engagement.
He said the evolving Morung model is helping instil interest in subjects like science and mathematics among children while preserving indigenous heritage.
“The Naga community is preserving its traditions while preparing for the future through education,” he said.
The Prime Minister further cited an example from Chizami village in Nagaland, where women are preserving over 150 varieties of traditional seeds through a community seed bank.
Describing it as an inspiring initiative, Modi said such efforts not only safeguard biodiversity but also ensure food security and cultural continuity for future generations.
Highlighting the Northeast’s cultural richness, Modi mentioned contributions to the Gyan Bharatam Survey, an initiative to document India’s manuscript heritage.
He noted that individuals from Arunachal Pradesh have shared rare manuscripts in Tai script, contributing to the preservation of India’s diverse cultural legacy.
While addressing global tensions and their impact on energy supplies, Modi urged citizens to remain united and avoid misinformation.
“These are challenging times… we must overcome them together,” he said, cautioning against rumours and politicisation of national issues.
Throughout his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of public participation, noting that community-driven initiatives—from water conservation to clean energy—are shaping India’s development.
He said the Northeast’s examples reflect how traditional knowledge and grassroots action can offer sustainable solutions to modern challenges.
