Next to the National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s growing capabilities in the space field, referring to the achievement of the IAF group captain Shubanshu Shukla’s recent visit to the International Space Station, which the successful launch of Chandrayan 3, which created an atmosphere for science in the country.
Speaking about Shubhanshu Shukla, who was one of the four crew members of the Axiom-4 mission, PM Modi said in his 124th ‘Maan Ki Baat’ episode, “We will touch the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen.”
PM Modi said that when Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth, he was proudly filling every citizen, “a wave of happiness through every heart”.
“Recently, there was a lot of discussion in the country about Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from space. As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on earth, people jumped with joy, and a wave of happiness from every heart. The whole country was filled with pride,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also said how the success of ISRO’s Chandrayaan -3 mission created an atmosphere of curiosity in the country for efforts related to space and science.
“I remember, when Chandrayaan -3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new atmosphere was created in the country. A new curiosity was also born among children about science, about space. Young children now say, we will also go to space; we will also land on the moon -we will become space scientists,” PM Modi said.
Given India’s growing capabilities, PM Modi specifically referred to the ‘inspiration-standard campaign’, which promotes innovation among children, which gives them a platform to develop innovative ideas contained in science.
“You must have heard the name of the inspiration -standard campaign. This is a campaign aimed at promoting innovation among children. Five children are selected from each school. So far, millions of children have joined the inspiration standard campaign, and after Chandrayan -3, their number has doubled,” the PM said.
The PM referred to the increase in India’s space startups, given that the number has almost quadrupled in the last five years.
“Indian start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Five years ago, there were less than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200,” he said.
Further focusing on the upcoming National Space Day on 23 August, PM Modi said, “How will you celebrate it … Do you have a new idea? Do you send a message on the app”
PM Modi also mentioned the recent achievements of students in the areas of science and mathematics, which was shouting the most bright minds.
“In the 21st century India, science is progressing with a fresh energy. A few days ago, our students won medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad. India also strengthened its image in the mathematics world. In the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, our students won 3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal.”
The PM also announced that an astronomy and astronomy Physics Olympiad is going to be held in Mumbai next month.
“Next month, astronomy and astronomy Physics Olympiads are going to be held in Mumbai. Students from more than 60 countries will participate in the event. Scientists will also be there. It will be the largest Olympiad ever. In a way, in a way, India is now moving forward for both Olympic and Olympia,” he said. (AI)