New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest “Mann Ki Baat” address broadcast today on All India Radio, lauded the innovative efforts of Pramila Pradhan from Keonjhar district, Odisha, for her unique approach to dousing forest fires through Radhakrushna Sankirtan Mandali.
During the 124th episode of the monthly radio program, PM Modi highlighted the “remarkable” work being done in Odisha’s Keonjhar, specifically mentioning the “Radha Krishna Sankirtan” group. He noted that “Along with devotion, this group also chants mantras promoting environmental conservation. The inspiration behind this step is Pramila Pradhan. Her group visited many villages and spread awareness about forest fires.”
This national recognition underscores the impactful work of Pramila Pradhan, a humble farmer from Murgapahadi village, who has transformed a traditional devotional art form into a powerful tool for environmental protection. As detailed in earlier reports, Pradhan’s initiative was sparked by a deeply personal tragedy in 2010 – the death of a deer fleeing a forest fire, a memory that ignited her resolve to not only combat fires in the forest but also to change hearts and minds within the community.
Pramila revived her father-in-law’s dormant Sankirtan Mandali, attracting local talent and weaving messages of forest protection, the dangers of fires, and wildlife conservation into their traditional hymns. This unconventional partnership with the Keonjhar Forest Division, who had struggled with conventional awareness campaigns, proved immensely effective. Forest officials noted that the cultural resonance of Sankirtan allowed their message to “speak to the heart” of villagers, leading to a significant reduction in forest fire incidents.
Pramila’s Mandali has performed in over 50 villages, educating communities about their intrinsic link to the forest’s well-being. The Prime Minister’s praise in “Mann Ki Baat” is expected to further amplify her efforts, bringing national attention to this unique blend of cultural heritage and environmental activism. It serves as an inspiration for other communities to find culturally appropriate and impactful ways to address local environmental challenges.