As many states reel under intense heatwave conditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to stay hydrated, limit exposure to harsh sunlight, and follow safety advisories.
In the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, PM Modi mentioned that soaring temperatures are impacting everything from daily routines to kitchens, with households adapting to the summer heat by storing water in earthen pots, setting curd, and turning to raw mango-based preparations.
He hailed the 'desi drinks' in different states and highlighted the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat'.
PM Modi hails 'desi drinks'
"In Northern Bharat, you will find Aam Panna... Lassi is found in Punjab and Haryana in big glasses, in Rajasthan and Gujarat, buttermilk becomes a part of every meal, and in Bihar and Jharkhand and eastern UP, Sattu Sharbat is unmatched as it fills the stomach and gives energy also," he said.
PM Modi noted how traditional summer drinks like Konkan's 'Kokum Sharbat' and 'Sol Kadhi', Southern India's 'Panakam', 'Neer Mor', and 'Sambaram', and Odisha's 'Bela Panna' embody the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat.'
He encouraged citizens to turn to these regional beverages to stay cool during the summer
In addition to summer drinks, the PM emphasised how mangoes become the centre of conversations across households in India. "There is probably no home in India where mangoes are not discussed during the summer season. Every region has its own mango, its own taste, and its own fragrance. From Maharashtra and the Konkan region comes Hapus (Alphonso), from Gujarat comes Kesar, which is the soul of aamras, from Uttar Pradesh comes Dasheri, and from my Kashi comes Langda," he said.
