On the solemn occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from Madhubani, Bihar, marking the launch of several development projects in the state. The day began on a somber note, as the Prime Minister led the gathering in a silent tribute to the innocent lives lost in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. His words reflected the grief of a mourning nation, yet also the unshakable resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted how Bihar, the land of Satyagraha, has long been a symbol of India’s strength and spirit. On this day, development works worth thousands of crores were inaugurated, aimed at creating employment and transforming the infrastructure landscape of Bihar. The event was deeply rooted in the values of grassroots governance, paying homage to the vision of Mahatma Gandhi, who believed that India’s progress was inseparable from the progress of its villages.
The Prime Minister spoke with pride about the transformation brought about in the Panchayati Raj system over the past decade. Over two lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected to the Internet, and more than 30,000 new Panchayat buildings have been constructed. With over ₹2 lakh crore allocated to Panchayats in the last ten years, these investments have significantly uplifted rural India. Land digitization, a major step towards reducing disputes and enhancing transparency, has also seen great progress.
A special mention was made of Bihar’s pioneering role in women’s political empowerment, as the first state to reserve 50% of Panchayat seats for women. This progressive step has enabled women from marginalized communities to emerge as leaders, a true embodiment of social justice. The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to the state leadership for championing this cause, and emphasized the importance of the recently enacted law ensuring 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
The focus then shifted to the economic empowerment of women. Through programs like Jeevika Didi and support to self-help groups, thousands of women in Bihar have found financial independence and purpose. Assistance worth ₹1,000 crore was distributed to women’s groups during the event, part of a larger vision to create three crore “Lakhpati Didis” across India.
The past decade has, in the Prime Minister’s words, been the decade of rural development. Villages have seen concrete roads, pucca houses, electricity, water connections, and toilets—all of which have created employment and improved quality of life. The PM Awas Yojana alone has led to the construction of over four crore houses, with over 57 lakh built in Bihar. On this day, 1.5 lakh families received keys to their new homes, and financial aid was dispatched to lakhs more.
Healthcare and education have also witnessed a major push. AIIMS is now being built in Darbhanga, and new medical colleges are coming up across the state. Over 10,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 800 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Bihar are bringing affordable healthcare closer to people’s homes. The Prime Minister proudly noted that these centers have saved citizens thousands of crores on medicines and treatments.
Infrastructure development was another key highlight. Bihar now boasts modern rail connections, including the new Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Patna and Jai Nagar, which promises faster travel and better connectivity for millions. Metro work is progressing in Patna, and Darbhanga’s airport expansion is enhancing the state’s air travel capabilities.
The Prime Minister also spoke passionately about the agricultural and cultural heritage of Bihar. Flood mitigation projects worth ₹11,000 crore are underway, with dams and canals being constructed to protect fields and boost irrigation. Makhana, a traditional crop of Mithila, is now recognized with a GI tag and is being promoted as a global superfood. The establishment of the Makhana Board and a National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar promise brighter prospects for farmers and entrepreneurs alike.
In fisheries too, Bihar has made remarkable strides. Fisherfolk now benefit from Kisan Credit Cards and support under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, helping improve livelihoods in rural areas.
As he concluded his speech, the Prime Minister returned to the pain of the terror attack. With a firm voice and a heavy heart, he vowed to bring those responsible to justice, asserting that India’s will cannot be broken. The country, he said, is united in grief and determination. From Kargil to Kanyakumari, the pain is shared—and so is the strength.
Ending with a rousing chant of “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” the Prime Minister reminded the nation that peace, justice, and development go hand in hand. A developed Bihar, he said, is essential for a developed India. The gathering in Madhubani was not just a celebration of achievements but a solemn reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to inclusive and lasting progress.