Billions of dollars being invested in research ecosystem: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India is deeply committed to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering young minds, adding that billions of dollars are being invested in the research ecosystem under various initiatives.

“In India: tradition meets innovation, spirituality meets science, and curiosity meets creativity,” said PM Modi in his video message for the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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He further said India believes in the power of international collaboration.

“This Olympiad reflects that spirit. I have been told that this edition of the Olympiad is the largest so far. I thank the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for making this event possible. Aim high, Dream Big. And remember, in India, we believe that the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning!” the Prime Minister said.

“Today, we host one of the world’s highest Astronomical Observatories in Ladakh. At 4,500 metres above sea level, it is close enough to shake hands with the stars! Our Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune is one of the world’s most sensitive radio telescopes. It is helping us decode the mysteries of pulsars, quasars and galaxies!” Modi said.

He said over 10 million students are understanding STEM concepts through hands-on experimentation in Atal Tinkering Labs.

“This is creating a culture of learning and innovation. To make access to knowledge more democratic, we have launched the One Nation One Subscription scheme. It provides access to reputed international journals, free of cost, to millions of students and researchers. You would be happy to know that India is a leading country in the participation of women in STEM domains,” the Prime Minister said.

“Under various initiatives, billions of dollars are being invested in the research ecosystem. We invite young minds like you from across the world to study, research and collaborate in India. Who knows the next big scientific breakthrough may well be born from such partnerships!” Modi said.

The Prime Minister said India proudly contributes to global mega-science projects like the Square Kilometre Array, and LIGO-India.

“Two years ago, our Chandrayaan-3 made history. We were the first to successfully land near the Moon’s South Pole. We have also set our sights on the Sun with the Aditya-L1 solar observatory.

“It keeps an eye on solar flares, storms, and– the Sun’s mood swings! Last month, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed his historic mission to the International Space Station. It was a proud moment for all Indians, and an inspiration for young explorers like all of you,” Modi said.