Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as several parts of India continue to experience severe heatwave conditions. Addressing the nation during the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted the health risks posed by soaring temperatures and stressed the importance of staying hydrated. He advised people to drink water regularly, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by government agencies. His remarks come amid rising temperatures across multiple states, prompting authorities to issue heat-related advisories.
Speaking about the impact of summer on daily life, PM Modi noted that the season influences not only people's routines but also traditional food habits and cooking practices. He observed that households across the country naturally adapt to rising temperatures by storing water in earthen pots, preparing curd, and using raw mangoes in various dishes. According to the Prime Minister, these age-old practices reflect India's deep understanding of seasonal changes and sustainable living. He encouraged people to embrace such traditional methods to stay comfortable during the hot summer months.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India's rich variety of traditional summer beverages, describing them as examples of the country's cultural diversity and unity. He mentioned Aam Panna, a popular raw mango drink consumed across northern India, and Lassi, which remains a staple refreshment in Punjab and Haryana. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, buttermilk is commonly served with meals, while Sattu Sharbat is widely consumed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh for its cooling and energy-boosting properties. PM Modi said these regional drinks not only help people cope with the heat but also showcase the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat."
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Expanding on the theme of regional traditions, the Prime Minister referred to several other beverages that are closely associated with different parts of the country. He noted that Kokum Sharbat and Sol Kadhi are widely enjoyed in the Konkan region and Goa, while Panakam, Neer Mor, and Sambaram are popular summer refreshments in southern India. Odisha's Bela Panna was also mentioned as a seasonal favourite. PM Modi encouraged citizens to explore and enjoy these traditional drinks, describing them as healthy alternatives that have been part of Indian culture for generations.
The Prime Minister also spoke about India's enduring love for mangoes, calling them an integral part of summer conversations in households across the country. He remarked that few topics generate as much enthusiasm during the season as the arrival of mango varieties from different regions. According to him, each state contributes its own distinct flavour, aroma, and identity to India's mango culture. The fruit, he said, serves as a symbol of the country's agricultural richness and culinary diversity.
Highlighting some of the country's most celebrated mango varieties, PM Modi mentioned Hapus (Alphonso) from Maharashtra and the Konkan region, Kesar from Gujarat, Dasheri from Uttar Pradesh, and Langda from Varanasi. He noted that every region takes pride in its local produce, creating a unique bond between communities and their traditional crops. His remarks underscored the cultural significance of mangoes beyond their popularity as a seasonal fruit. Through his address, the Prime Minister combined a message of public health awareness with a celebration of India's traditional food heritage during the peak summer season.
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