The Cultural Narrative of "Mann Ki Baat" in a Multilingual Setting: A Minor Study

Abstract

This paper aligns with the stated objective of this conference to examine language's role in shaping cultural identity and heritage. As an English teacher educator in Kerala with two decades of experience, the investigator has consistently navigated the delicate balance of content selection in language education to ensure inclusivity and avoid offense. Furthermore, the National Educational Policies of 1985 and 2020 have consistently emphasized national integration as a core principle of educational programmes. Since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government has launched various initiatives to promote national integration. Among these are over twenty flagship schemes under the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" program (The Print, 2019). "Mann Ki Baat," a widely listened-to Indian radio programme hosted by the Prime Minister, is one such significant initiative where he addresses the nation. The study critically analyzes the English transcripts of two recent "Mann Ki Baat" programmes (May 2025 and April 2025) to identify how a cultural narrative is constructed within a multilingual context. The findings reveal the Prime Minister's adeptness in navigating complex themes and emotions in a diverse linguistic environment, showcasing effective communication skills. The content is engaging, informative, and motivational, serving as an excellent example of delivering cultural narratives in a diverse setting. It is hoped that this study's findings will encourage further explorat ion of such radio broadcasts, especially given the strong preference for smartphone-based multimedia content among Indian youth. The study also aims to sensitize educators to the use of inclusive language, which projects a global perspective and enhances impact when delivering talks in a multilingual country like India.