Mann Ki Baat (138th episode): PM urges census self-registration, marks Ashok Singhal's birth centenary
In the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 27 September 2026, PM Narendra Modi said the first phase of the census is nearly complete, with data of over 32 crore families recorded, and urged people to self-register on the census portal.
Summary
The PM said census work began in Uttarakhand at Mana village in Chamoli, known as the country's first village. He marked the 100th birth anniversary of former VHP leader Ashok Singhal, born on 27 September 1926 in Agra; Amit Shah inaugurated the centenary year celebrations the same day. He also spoke of the return of elephants to Assam's Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary after encroachment was cleared, and the pygmy hog programme in Assam, which began with six animals and has raised the population to over 190. He recalled the Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat, which now runs entirely on solar energy.
Key facts
- Episode
- 138th Mann Ki Baat, 27 September 2026
- Census
- First phase nearly complete; data of 32 crore+ families recorded
- Self-registration
- Census online portal (se.census.gov.in)
- Census start in Uttarakhand
- Mana village, Chamoli
- Ashok Singhal
- Born 27 September 1926, Agra; birth centenary
- Assam wildlife
- Elephants back in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary; pygmy hogs from 6 to 190+
- Modhera
- Sun Temple town in Gujarat, runs entirely on solar energy
Practice MCQs 3 questions
According to the 138th Mann Ki Baat (27 September 2026), data of how many families had been recorded in the first phase of the census?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Over 32 crore
The PM said data of over 32 crore families had already been recorded in the first phase.
In Mann Ki Baat of September 2026, the PM said elephants have returned to which wildlife sanctuary in Assam after encroachment was cleared?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sonai Rupai
Elephants returned to Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary three years after the land was cleared of encroachment.
Consider the following statements from the 138th Mann Ki Baat: 1. Ashok Singhal was born on 27 September 1926 in Agra. 2. Assam's pygmy hog programme began with six animals and the population is now over 190. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by the PM.