Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 124th episode on July 27, expressed pride over the recent achievements by Indians in space, science, sports, and culture. The following are the excerpts:
My dear countrymen, Namaskar, in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, once again, we shall touch upon the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen. During the last few weeks, be it sports, science or culture, a lot has happened that every Indian is proud of. Recently, there was a lot of talk in the country over Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from Space…. 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… Friends, you must have heard the name of the INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan. This is a campaign to promote innovation among children. 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. Space start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Today, there are more than 200, just in the Space sector. Friends, 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.
Friends, in 21st century India, science is progressing with a renewed energy. A few days ago, our students won medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad. …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. …This will be the biggest Olympiad till date. In a way, India is now moving ahead for both Olympics and the Olympiads.
My dear countrymen, another news that will fill us all with pride has come in from UNESCO. UNESCO has recognised 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. Friends, the month of August is therefore the month of revolution. The 1st of August is the death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. During the same month, on the 8th of August, the ‘Quit India Movement’ began under the leadership of Gandhiji. Then comes the 15th of August, our Independence Day… we remember our freedom fighters, get inspired by them… but friends, the pain of Partition of the country is also associated with our independence. That is why we observe the 14th of August as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’. My dear countrymen, 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’. 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.
My dear countrymen, the most beautiful glimpse of India’s diversity is found in our folk songs and traditions and our bhajans and kirtans are a part of this. But have you ever heard that people are made aware about forest fires through kirtans? You may not believe it, but amazing work is happening in Keonjhar district of Odisha. Here, there is a group named Radhakrishna Sankirtan Mandali. Along with devotion, today, this group is also chanting the mantra of environmental protection. The inspiration behind this initiative is – Pramila Pradhan ji.
My dear countrymen, 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. … 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.
I f 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…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.
My dear countrymen, do you know which is the biggest sporting event other than the Olympics? The answer is – ‘World Police and Fire Games’… a sports tournament between policemen, fire fighters, security personnel from all over the world. This time this tournament was held in America and India created history in it. India won close to 600 medals. We reached the top-three out of 71 countries. …in 2029 these games will be held in India.
Friends, 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.
My dear friends, keep sharing your thoughts and experiences. We will meet again next month with some more new achievements and inspirations of countrymen…