‘Embracing Scientific Spirit Key to India’s Growth’: PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday emphasised the importance of embracing India’s scientific spirit, saying, “In 21st century India, science is progressing with a renewed energy.”

Addressing the 124th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of embracing India’s scientific spirit and taking pride in the country’s achievements in space technology.

Advertisement

Recalling his recent interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), PM Modi said he congratulated Shukla on his remarkable achievement.

“Recently, there was a lot of talk in the country over Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from Space. As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on Earth, people jumped with joy; a wave of happiness rippled through every heart. The entire country was filled with pride,” Modi said.

PM Modi emphasised the importance of promoting innovation among children, citing the INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan. “In this, five children are selected from each school. Each child brings up a new idea. So far, lakhs of children have joined this, and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled,” he said.

Underlining India’s advancements in science and technology, including the growth of space start-ups, the Prime Minister said: “Space start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Five years ago, there were fewer than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200, just in the Space sector,” PM Modi said, noting India’s remarkable progress in various fields, from space exploration to sports and cultural preservation.

PM Modi encouraged the nation’s youth to develop a passion for science and technology, urging them to contribute to India’s growth story. He highlighted the need to foster a scientific temperament and promote innovation, which will drive India’s progress in the years to come.

Citing the achievements of Indian students in international Olympiads, Modi recalled four Indian students – Devesh Pankaj, Sandeep Kuchi, Debdutt Priyadarshi, and Ujjwal Kesari – who won medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad, bringing glory to India. He also praised Indian students who excelled in the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, winning three gold, two silver, and a bronze medal.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad will be held in Mumbai next month, featuring students from over 60 countries. “This will be the biggest Olympiad till date,” he said, emphasising India’s growing presence in both Olympics and Olympiads.

Praising the historical significance of the country, PM Modi highlighted UNESCO’s recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites, including 11 in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi praised the historical importance of these forts, such as Salher Fort, where the Mughals were defeated, and Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. “Each fort has a chapter of history attached to it. Every stone is a testimony to a historical event,” he said.

Recalling a chapter in India’s freedom movement, PM Modi talked about the importance of the month of August, which he said holds great significance in India’s struggle for independence. On August 11, 1908, Khudiram Bose, a brave 18-year-old youth, was hanged by the British for expressing his patriotism. “There was no fear on the face of that youth, rather it was full of pride,” PM Modi said, remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

August is also the month of revolution, marking the death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on August 1 and the start of the ‘Quit India Movement’ on August 8, led by Mahatma Gandhi. The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of August 14 as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ and August 15 as Independence Day.

The Swadeshi Movement, which began on August 7, 1905, lent new energy to local products, especially handlooms. This year marks the completion of 10 years of ‘National Handloom Day’, which has empowered lakhs of people in the textile sector. PM Modi shared inspiring stories of women like Kavita Dhawale from Maharashtra and tribal women from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, who have revived traditional sarees and are earning a living.

The Prime Minister impressed on the importance of self-reliance and ‘Vocal for Local’ in achieving a developed India by 2047. “Buy and sell only those things that are made in India, in which an Indian has shed sweat. This should be our resolve,” he said, highlighting the growth of the textile and apparel market in India.

Asserting that as the nation remembers the sacrifices of the country’s freedom fighters, PM Modi said: “We also honour their legacy by working towards a developed India.” The textile sector, which was once a key part of our freedom struggle, is now a thriving industry that provides employment to lakhs of people across the country. With over 3000 textile start-ups active in India, the sector is poised for even greater growth and success.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of empowering women and rural communities, citing examples of successful initiatives in the textile sector and waste management. “Today, more than 3000 textile start-ups are active in India. Many start-ups have lent global height to India’s handloom identity,” he said.

The Prime Minister also stated the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage, including its ancient manuscripts and traditional practices. “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,” he said.

PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat episode was a celebration of India’s achievements and potential, inspiring citizens to work towards a stronger, more prosperous nation. As he concluded, “Keep sharing your thoughts and experiences. We will meet again next month with some more new achievements and inspirations from our countrymen.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the inspiring story of Om Prakash Sahu, a resident of Gumla district in Jharkhand. Sahu, who once walked the path of violence, has now become a pioneer of the fisheries revolution in the region. With the help of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Sahu gained the strength and training to start fish farming. His determination paid off, and soon many others in the area followed suit.

Gumla, once notorious for Maoist violence, is now witnessing a transformation. Over 150 families in the Basia block have joined fish farming, and many former Naxalites have found a new sense of purpose. They’re not only earning a living but also providing employment to others. Sahu’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the right guidance.

“When the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was launched, he gained new strength. He received training from the government and helped in making ponds. Within no time, the fisheries revolution started in Gumla,” PM Modi said, praising Sahu’s efforts.

This transformation in Gumla serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, development can thrive with the right mindset and support. As PM Modi pointed out, “If the path is right and there is trust in the mind, the lamp of development can be lit even in the most difficult circumstances.”