New Delhi, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon citizens to participate enthusiastically in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of Independence Day, urging every household to proudly display the national flag with dignity and respect while remembering the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who secured India’s Independence.

During the 136th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said the country would soon celebrate Independence Day, describing August 15 as a moment of immense pride and gratitude for every Indian.

“In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the grand festival of our Independence. August 15 is a day of pride for every Indian. It is a day to remember the countless heroes who dedicated their all for the freedom of ‘Bharat Mata’. It is because of their sacrifice and devotion that we hold the Tricolour in our hands today; this Tricolour embodies the ideals of our Constitution,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the growing public participation in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative over the past few years, the Prime Minister said the campaign has evolved into a nationwide celebration of patriotism, with the national flag becoming a common sight in homes and localities across the country.

“Over the past few years, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has united the entire nation with a remarkable spirit. The celebration of the Tricolour is visible in every home and every street. This year too, we must carry forward the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign with great enthusiasm. We must display the Tricolour at our homes with the utmost respect,” he further said.

PM Modi also invited people to continue sharing their ideas and suggestions for the nation ahead of Independence Day through the MyGov platform, saying he looks forward to hearing from citizens every year.

“Every year before 15th of August, you send me myriad ideas and suggestions. This year as well, please do share your thoughts on MyGov. I look forward to your suggestions,” he added.

The Prime Minister also remembered former President and Bharat Ratna Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, noting that July 27 marks his death anniversary. Paying tribute to the late President, PM Modi said Dr Kalam’s greatest passion was teaching and inspiring young minds to dream big and contribute to the nation.

“Tomorrow, July 27, marks the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ji. Dr Kalam’s personality embodied many inspiring facets, yet the role of a teacher was closest to his heart. He inspired children and the youth to dream big,” he said.

Referring to the upcoming celebration of Guru Purnima, the Prime Minister said the occasion provides an opportunity to express gratitude to teachers, mentors and parents, who play a vital role in shaping lives and guiding future generations.

“Coincidentally, this week we will also celebrate the pious festival of ‘Guru Purnima’. Our parents are our first teachers, while school teachers impart the knowledge of letters and learning. Guru Purnima is an occasion to express gratitude towards all such mentors. I offer my respectful Pranaam to all the teachers and mentors across the country,” he added.

New Delhi, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Indian youth and women athletes for their remarkable achievements on the global sports stage, highlighting badminton star PV Sindhu’s historic Japan Open title and a historic Test match victory by the Indian women’s cricket team at Lord’s.

Addressing the nation in the latest episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister expressed immense pride in the country’s sports performance, also celebrating the contribution of ‘Nari Shakti’.

PM Modi firstly highlighted ace shuttler PV Sindhu’s maiden Japan Open title, which ended her seven-year wait to win a Super 750 or above title. It was her biggest Tour title after the World Tour Finals and China Open she won back in 2018 and 2016, respectively. Moreover, it was the former world champion’s first BWF World Tour title after winning Syed Modi in December 2024.

“Our youth have achieved remarkable feats in sports recently. PV Sindhu has become the first Indian to win the Japan Open title in badminton; the entire nation is proud of this achievement of hers,” PM Modi said.

Reflecting on the milestone in women’s cricket, PM Modi commended the Indian cricket team for their first-ever Test victory at the iconic Lord’s Stadium in London by a massive margin of 270 runs. Drawing a connection to a historic milestone in Indian sports history, he recalled India’s maiden Cricket World Cup triumph at the same venue in 1983.

“This is a historic victory; our team won the match by a massive margin of 270 runs. But that is not all in the long history of Lord’s, this was the first Test match played by a women’s team. It was on this very ground that India won her first Cricket World Cup in 1983. Now, our ‘Nari Shakti’ has brought glory to the nation there,” PM Modi said.

With the Lord’s Test win, India also extended their formidable run in red-ball cricket by securing their seventh victory in the last 11 Test matches. Crucially, they have maintained their proud unbeaten record in the longest format on English soil.

Kolkata, July 26: Three more persons have been arrested in connection with the violence and attacks on police personnel and journalists during a protest rally in Kolkata on July 24 against the NEET examination paper leak and other exam scandals, taking the total number of arrests to 14, officials said on Sunday.

The fresh arrests were made between Saturday night and Sunday by the Kolkata Police. Earlier, 11 persons had been arrested after being identified through CCTV footage and video recordings of the violence.

The three arrested have been identified as Shahbaz Khan, Sheikh Muhammad Salman Hossain and Muhammad Zahiruddin. Shahbaz is a resident of the Karaya area in south-eastern Kolkata. Salaman is a resident of the Rajabagan area of Garden Reach in the southern outskirts of Kolkata. Zahiruddin is a resident of the Bhangar area also in the southern outskirts of Kolkata.

Police have so far identified 70 persons involved in the violence during the rally, which was jointly organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students’ and youth wings of various Left parties. Seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident, including one suo motu case filed by the city police.

According to police sources, none of the 14 persons arrested so far are students or have any connection with the NEET examination results. The authorities claim the accused were involved in orchestrating violence and provoking law enforcement personnel during the demonstrations.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, addressing the Assembly on Saturday, alleged that anti-social elements from several Kolkata localities, including Rajabazar, Kidderpore, Park Circus, Garden Reach and Ekbalpur, were responsible for attacking police personnel and media persons during the protest. He claimed their objective was to provoke the police into using force, thereby escalating tensions.

The Chief Minister also said that those found guilty would face action under the newly enacted West Bengal Public Safety & Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, which provides for stricter measures against anti-social and violent activities.

“They wanted the police to use force by resorting to baton-charge and firing of teargas shells. They intended to aggravate the tension and thus create a drama. Fortunately, the police did not fall into that trap. But they continued their attacks,” the Chief Minister had said.