As large parts of India continue to face intense heatwave conditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to harsh sunlight, and follow official safety advisories. During the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted how traditional Indian food habits, regional summer drinks, and seasonal fruits have long helped people cope with extreme summer temperatures.
His remarks come as several states continue to experience soaring temperatures, hot winds, and rising concerns over heat-related illnesses.
PM Modi’s Heatwave Advisory
Addressing the nation, PM Modi stressed the importance of taking precautions during the ongoing heatwave.
He advised people to:
- Drink water regularly
- Stay hydrated while travelling
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- Follow government-issued heatwave guidelines
- Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
The Prime Minister also urged citizens to care for vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people, outdoor workers, and those with health conditions. He further encouraged people to place water for birds and animals struggling during the extreme heat.
India’s Traditional Summer Drinks Take Centre Stage
One of the most talked-about parts of the address was PM Modi’s celebration of traditional Indian summer beverages.
He described these drinks as products of local wisdom passed down through generations and highlighted how different regions of India have developed their own natural ways to combat the heat.
Among the drinks mentioned were:
- Aam Panna from North India
- Lassi from Punjab and Haryana
- Buttermilk (Chaas) from Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Sattu Sharbat from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh
- Kokum Sharbat and Sol Kadhi from Konkan and Goa
- Panakam, Neer Mor, and Sambaram from South India
- Bela Panna from Odisha
PM Modi noted that these beverages are deeply connected to local traditions, agriculture, and regional food culture. He described them as examples of the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” showcasing India’s diversity through food and seasonal practices.
Summer Kitchens Reflect Seasonal Wisdom
The Prime Minister also spoke about how Indian households naturally adapt their cooking habits during summer.
According to him, as temperatures rise:
- Water is stored in earthen pots
- Curd begins to be prepared regularly
- Raw mangoes are used in seasonal recipes
- Traditional cooling foods become more common
He suggested that many solutions to coping with extreme heat can often be found within traditional kitchen practices developed over generations.
Mangoes Become The National Conversation
Apart from summer drinks, PM Modi also celebrated India’s vast variety of mangoes, calling them one of the country’s most beloved seasonal traditions.
He remarked that there is hardly any household in India where mangoes are not discussed during summer. He highlighted several famous varieties from different states, including:
- Hapus (Alphonso) from Maharashtra and Konkan
- Kesar from Gujarat
- Dasheri from Uttar Pradesh
- Langda from Varanasi
- Zardalu from Bihar
- Chausa and Malda varieties
- Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelam, and Malgova from South India
- Himsagar from West Bengal
- Suvarnarekha from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
According to PM Modi, every region has its own mango, flavor, aroma, and identity, reflecting India’s agricultural diversity.
Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Challenges
The Prime Minister’s message highlighted how traditional food culture can complement modern health precautions during extreme weather events.
As India faces increasingly frequent heatwaves, experts have also emphasized hydration, electrolyte balance, and avoiding peak afternoon heat as critical measures for preventing heat-related illnesses. PM Modi’s focus on indigenous summer drinks aligns with broader discussions around sustainable, locally sourced, and climate-adaptive food habits.
Summary
Amid severe heatwave conditions across India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to stay hydrated, follow safety advisories, and care for vulnerable people, birds, and animals. During Mann Ki Baat, he also celebrated traditional Indian summer drinks such as aam panna, lassi, sattu sharbat, kokum sharbat, and sol kadhi, while highlighting the cultural importance of mango varieties like Alphonso, Kesar, Dasheri, and Langda across different regions of the country.
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