Beyond the Shadows of Lutyens: PM Modi Announces Rajaji Festival at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi, February 22: In the 131st episode of his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed India’s “remarkable strides” in technology and culture. Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister focused on the success of the recent Global AI Impact Summit and announced new initiatives to honor India’s civilizational heritage.

AI: A Turning Point for India

The Prime Minister opened his address by reflecting on the India Impact Global AI Summit 2026, held recently at Bharat Mandapam. He described the event as a “turning point” in how the world perceives India’s technological capabilities.

PM Modi specifically mentioned an AI application showcased at the Amul booth, which assists farmers in animal treatment and provides 24/7 monitoring for livestock.

He highlighted how AI is being used to digitize and translate ancient manuscripts, such as the Sushruta Samhita, making India’s traditional wisdom accessible to a global audience.

He noted the launch of three indigenous AI models during the summit, including Sarvam AI’s LLMs and BharatGen’s multilingual foundational model, as proof of India’s growing self-reliance.

Honoring Rajaji and Ending ‘Slavery Mentality’

A major highlight of today’s speech was the announcement of the “Rajaji Festival.” Starting tomorrow, February 23, the festival will be celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan to honor C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General of independent India.

The Prime Minister revealed that a statue of Rajaji would be unveiled in the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He remarked that it was “unfortunate” that statues of British administrators remained for so long while Indian leaders were sidelined, framing this move as a step toward the ‘Panch Pran’ goal of removing any trace of a colonial mindset.

Exam Stress and Digital Safety

With board exams approaching, PM Modi shared words of encouragement for students, reminding them that “a marksheet does not define your worth.” He urged them to approach exams with confidence and not let stress overshadow their potential.

Turning to digital security, the PM warned citizens about the rise of digital fraud. Despite growing awareness, he emphasized the need for constant vigilance regarding KYC updates and online safety to protect one’s hard-earned money.

Tribute to J. Jayalalithaa and Organ Donation

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu CM J. Jayalalithaa ahead of her birth anniversary on February 24, praising her leadership and enduring legacy. On a more emotional note, he shared the story of Aalin Sherin Abraham, a young girl from Kerala whose family donated her organs after her passing, calling them a “source of inspiration” for the entire nation.