New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the rapid growth of India’s space sector, highlighting the emergence of over 200 startups in the field during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address. He said this remarkable growth reflects a new wave of curiosity among Indian children and youth towards space and science.
“Five years ago, the number of startups in the space sector was less than 50. Today, this number has crossed 200,” the Prime Minister said. He credited the rise to India’s emphasis on self-reliance and innovation, describing space as a field that is both inspiring and transformative for the country’s future.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come in the wake of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s safe return from space, an event that Mr Modi described as a moment of collective pride for the entire nation. “As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on Earth, people jumped with joy, and a wave of happiness ran through every heart,” he said.
Emphasising the role of science and technology in shaping the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), Mr Modi reiterated that the path to national progress lies through Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). He called the vocal for local initiative the strongest foundation for achieving this goal.
Mr Modi also encouraged listeners to participate in the upcoming National Space Day celebrations, scheduled for 23 August. He invited suggestions from citizens on how best to mark the occasion, especially to engage students and young minds. The day was instituted to commemorate India’s achievements in space exploration, particularly the success of missions such as Chandrayaan-3.
In addition to space, Mr Modi acknowledged the achievements of Indian students in international academic competitions. He noted that Indian participants had performed admirably in Olympiads related to Chemistry, Mathematics and other disciplines, calling them “bright examples of India’s scientific future”.
The Prime Minister further celebrated the global recognition of India’s cultural heritage. “It is a matter of great pride that 12 Maratha forts, which are symbols of valour and strategic vision, have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites,” he said. These forts, located primarily in Maharashtra, reflect the military ingenuity of the Maratha Empire and its resistance to colonial domination.
The radio address, now in its 111th edition, focused largely on national pride, innovation and citizen participation. Mr Modi urged citizens to remain engaged in nation-building and to take pride in India’s achievements in science, culture and entrepreneurship.
The Mann Ki Baat programme, which began in 2014, continues to be a platform for the Prime Minister to communicate directly with the public, sharing inspirational stories and government initiatives aimed at fostering a self-reliant and forward-looking India.
