Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped a summer surprise for India’s kids during his 120th “Mann Ki Baat” radio address on Sunday, unveiling the “MY Bharat Calendar”—a vibrant playbook to transform their vacation into a whirlwind of hobbies, skills, and real-world discovery.
Forget lazing around; Modi’s got a mission: inspire young minds to explore, create, and connect with the nation’s pulse, all while having a blast.
“This isn’t just a break—it’s a chance to grow,” Modi declared, his voice crackling with enthusiasm. The MY Bharat Calendar, tied to the government’s youth-centric “My Bharat” platform, is no ordinary planner.
It’s brimming with quirky prompts: join a study tour to peek inside Jan Aushadhi Kendras, trek to border hamlets under the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme, or march in the Ambedkar Jayanti Padyatra to soak up constitutional vibes. Fancy digging a pond for the “Catch the Rain” campaign? Or strumming a guitar at a local arts fest? It’s all in there, alongside space for kids to dream up their own goals—think coding an app or sketching a masterpiece.
Modi’s pitch? Balance fun with purpose. “Long summer days are perfect for picking up a hobby or honing a skill,” he said, reminiscing about his own boyhood antics tamed by productive pursuits.
He even tossed in a heart-tugger: “Put out a pot of cold water for birds—you’ll feel the joy.” To keep the buzz alive, he’s roped in a social media hook—share your exploits with #HolidayMemories, and the best might snag a shoutout in his next address.
The calendar’s roots run deep in Modi’s youth playbook, echoing hits like Pariksha Pe Charcha. With summer holidays looming—typically May to June—it’s a flexible blueprint, adaptable to local schedules, nudging kids off screens and into action.
Parents and educators are cheering: it’s a rare blend of freedom and focus, tying kids to India’s heritage and future. As Modi sees it, this isn’t just a vacation—it’s a launchpad for the next generation to shine, one adventure at a time.