(OT Webdesk)In the 124th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted two inspiring grassroots initiatives from Odisha that blend cultural revival with social and environmental impact.
Modi praised over 650 tribal women from Mayurbhanj district for reviving the traditional Santhali saree, a garment once on the brink of extinction.
Their efforts have not only preserved indigenous heritage but also created sustainable livelihoods, enabling many to earn thousands of rupees monthly. “These women are not just making cloth, they are carving their own identity,” Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister also lauded the Radhakrishna Sankirtan Mandali from Keonjhar, led by Pramila Pradhan, for using devotional music to raise awareness about forest fires.
Their innovative approach weaves environmental messages into kirtans and bhajans, spreading awareness from village to village. “Along with devotion, today, this group is also chanting the mantra of environmental protection,” Modi said.
These examples, Modi emphasised, show that folk traditions are not relics of the past but vibrant tools for societal transformation.
