Praises Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from Space and adds that more than 200 startups have come up in the space sector only
NEW DELHI, JULY 27, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was all praise for Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from Space. 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”, he pointed out.
Referring to the INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan which is a campaign to promote innovation among children the PM said that more than 200 start-ups have come in space sector only. Next month, on the 23rd of August, it is National Space Day. How will you celebrate it…, do you have any new ideas? Do send me a message on the NaMo App, he said.
In his monthly which is 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat Radio broadcast telecasted on Sunday, the Prime Minister said that in the 21st century India, science is progressing with a renewed energy. A few days ago, our students won medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad. Devesh Pankaj, Sandeep Kuchi, Debdutt Priyadarshi and Ujjwal Kesari, all four of them brought glory to India. 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.
Another news that will fill us all with pride has come in from UNESCO. UNESCO has recognized 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. Eleven forts in Maharashtra; one in Tamil Nadu. Each fort has a chapter of history attached to it. Every stone is a testimony to a historical event. Salher Fort, where the Mughals were defeated, Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. A fort that is unbreachable for the enemy. Khanderi Fort, an amazing fort built in the middle of the sea.
The enemy wanted to stop him but Shivaji Maharaj made the impossible possible. Pratapgarh Fort, where Afzal Khan was defeated, the echo of that saga still remains entrenched in the walls of the fort. Vijaydurg, which had secret tunnels, is a proof of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s farsightedness. I visited Raigad a few years ago… bowed in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue. This experience will stay with me all my life.
There are such amazing forts in other parts of the country too, which have faced attacks, faced the vagaries of weather, but never let their self-respect bow down. Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Amer Fort, Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan are world famous. Gulbarga Fort in Karnataka is also very big. The vastness of Chitradurga Fort will also fill you up with curiosity about how this fort would have been built in those times!
Friends, it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve such extraordinary knowledge, this heritage. In every era in our country, there have been some people who have made it their Sadhana. One such inspiring personality is Mani Maran Ji, who is from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. He felt that if today’s generation does not learn to read Tamil manuscripts, this precious heritage will be lost in the future. For that, he started evening classes, where students, working youth, researchers, everyone started coming over to learn.
Mani Maran Ji taught people the method of reading and understanding “Tamil Suvadiyiyal” i.e. Palm Leaf Manuscipts. Today, through a number of efforts, many students have become proficient in this art. Some students have even started research on a Traditional Medicine System based on these manuscripts. Friends, imagine… if such efforts are made across the country, our ancient knowledge will not remain confined within walls, it will become a part of the consciousness of the new generation. 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. I too urge all of you that if you are associated with any such effort, or wish to be associated, do contact MyGov or the Ministry of Culture…since these are not just manuscripts, these are those chapters of the soul of India, which we have to impart to the coming generations.
If you are asked how many kinds of birds there are, around you – what will you say? Perhaps that I see 5-6 birds everyday – some are familiar, some are unfamiliar. But, it is very interesting to know what species of birds live around us. Recently, one such grand effort has been made… the place is – Kaziranga National Park of Assam.
Though this area is famous for its Rhinos – this time the topic of discussion is its grasslands and the birds living in them. For the first time, a Grassland Bird Census has been conducted here. 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. Imagine! When technology and sensitivity come together, understanding nature becomes so easy and deep. We should promote such efforts so that we can recognize our biodiversity and connect the next generation to it.
Sometimes the most radiant light emerges from where darkness dwells the most. One such example is Gumla district of Jharkhand. There was a time when this area was known for Maoist violence. The villages of Basia block were getting deserted. People lived in the shadow of fear. There was no possibility of employment, lands were lying vacant and the youth were migrating… but then, a change began quietly and with a lot of patience. A young man named Om Prakash Sahu ji left the path of violence. He started fish farming. Then he inspired many friends like himself to do the same.
His efforts also had an impact. Those who were earlier holding guns, have now taken up fishing nets.
Amid the showers of Sawan, the country is once again going to be adorned with the fervour of 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.
