India, Jan. 25 -- In the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the inspiring work of Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar, a forest beat guard from Panna, Madhya Pradesh. While patrolling the Panna forests, he realized that knowledge about the region's medicinal plants-passed down through generations-was at risk of disappearing.

Determined to preserve this heritage, Ahirwar began documenting the plants, collecting photographs, local names, traditional uses, and exact locations. Over time, he identified more than 125 medicinal species, ranging from anti-inflammatory herbs to remedies for common ailments.

His work caught the attention of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, which officially compiled his findings into ...