PANAJI:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spotlighted Goa in his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme, praising the efforts of a retired schoolteacher from Canacona who solved a drinking water crisis in his village and highlighting the state's traditional kokum-based beverages as ideal summer refreshments.
During the address, Modi commended Balkrishna Ayya, a retired teacher from Loliem in Canacona, for his remarkable initiative in tackling a long-standing water shortage faced by residents of the Hundolle-Madditalap area.
The Prime Minister said that Ayya took it upon himself to address the problem after noticing that around 20 to 25 households were struggling to access drinking water. Without waiting for external assistance, he dug a step-well that struck water nearly 40 metres below the surface, installed a pump and laid pipelines to supply water to neighbouring homes.
Modi described the effort as an inspiring example of how individual determination and community spirit can bring about meaningful change at the grassroots level.
The Prime Minister also referred to Goa's traditional summer drinks while discussing ways to stay safe during the ongoing heatwave conditions. He specifically mentioned kokum drink and Sol Kadi, encouraging people to stay hydrated and follow advisories issued by authorities during periods of extreme heat.
Speaking about summer, Modi also celebrated India's rich diversity of mango varieties, calling mangoes the country's most loved seasonal fruit. He praised farmers and the agricultural sector for preserving and promoting the nation's agricultural heritage.
However, while mentioning famous varieties such as Maharashtra's Hapus and Alphonso mangoes from the Konkan belt, the Prime Minister did not refer to Goa's GI-tagged Mankurad mango, a variety widely regarded as the state's signature mango.
