In his Mann Ki Baat broadcast Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon people to share their new ideas regarding how they planned to celebrate National Space Day on August 23 on the NaMo app, adding that Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey and the success of Chandrayana-3 had led to great interest in the space sector among children in the country.
“As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on earth, people jumped with joy; a wave of happiness rippling through every heart. The entire country was filled with pride. I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science; about space. Little children now say, we will also go to Space; we will also land on the moon – we will become space scientists.”
Referring to the INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, a campaign to promote innovation among children, Modi said that five children were selected from each school, and they brought innovative new ideas. “So far, lakhs of children have joined this and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled. Space start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Five years ago, there were less than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200, just in the Space sector,” the PM said.
He congratulated four Indian students on having won medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad recently. “India has strengthened her image in the world of Mathematics as well. In the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, our students won 3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. Friends, next month the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad is going to be held in Mumbai. Students from more than 60 countries will participate in this. Scientists too will be there. This will be the biggest Olympiad till date. In a way, India is now moving ahead for both Olympics and the Olympiads,” he said.
PM Modi expressed happiness that 12 Maratha forts had been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, saying India’s forts offered a peek into the country’s proud history.
“These forts are not just bricks and stones; they are symbols of our heritage. Sanskar and self-respect still peep from the high walls of these forts. I urge all the countrymen to visit these forts, know their history, and feel proud,” he said.
Modi underlined that the coming month of August was the month of revolution, recalling many historical milestones of the month – the execution of Khudiram Bose in Muzaffarpur on August 11, 1908; the death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak on August 1; the beginning of the Quit India Movement on August 8 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, and Independence Day on August 15. He added that August 14 is also recalled as a day for remembering the horrors of Partition.
“Another revolution started on the 7th of August 1905. The Swadeshi Movement lent a new energy to local products… especially handloom. To commemorate that, the country celebrates ‘National Handloom Day’ on the 7th of August every year. This year, 7th August marks the completion of 10 years of ‘National Handloom Day’,” he said. “Just like our Khadi gave new strength to the freedom movement during the freedom struggle, today when the country is moving towards becoming a developed India, the textile sector is turning out to be the strength of the country. In these 10 years, lakhs of people associated with this sector in different parts of the country have scripted many success stories.”
Speaking on the importance of manuscripts, Modi said, “Our festivals and traditions are a major basis of Indian culture, but there is another aspect of the liveliness of our culture – this aspect is to keep documenting our present and our past. Our real strength is the knowledge that has been preserved in the form of manuscripts for centuries. These manuscripts contain science, medical procedures, music, philosophy, and most importantly, the thought that can make the future of humanity brighter.”
“Inspired by this very thought, the Government of India has announced a historic initiative in this year’s budget – ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’. Under this mission, ancient manuscripts will be digitized. Then a National Digital Repository will be created, where students and researchers from all over the world will be able to connect with India’s knowledge tradition,” he said.
He also referred to a Grassland Bird Census that has been conducted at Kaziranga National Park using technology. “You will be happy to know that on account of this Census, more than 40 species of birds have been identified. These include many rare birds. You must be wondering how so many birds were identified! Technology did wonders in this. The team conducting the census installed sound recording devices. Then those sounds were analysed on the computer; AI was used. The birds were identified just by their sounds – that too without disturbing them,” Modi said.
He also made a specific reference to the success of fish farming in Gumla of Jharkhand, where a surrendered Maoist had taken the initiative to make it possible with the help of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. “Today, more than 150 families of Basia block have joined fish farming. There are many people who were once in the Naxalite organization; now they are living a life of respect in the village itself and providing employment to others,” he said.
Modi congratulated Indian police personnel and fire fighters for securing 600 medals at the recent World Police and Fire Games in the US. “By the way, it will also be interesting for you to know that in 2029 these games will be held in India. Players from all over the world will come to our country. We will showcase to them India’s hospitality and introduce them to our sports culture,” he added.
Modi also praised Swachh Bharat initiatives, referring to cities that had done well in the Swachh Survey conducted every year.
The PM also wished the people on the coming festivals. “Today is Hariyali Teej, then comes Nag Panchami and Raksha Bandhan, then Janmashtami, the celebration of the birth of our naughty little Kanha. All these festivities are connected to our emotions here, they also give us the message of connection and balance with nature. Many best wishes to all of you for these holy festivals,” he said.
