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In the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, aired on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a wide range of issues — from India's space achievements and cultural heritage to grassroots entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem. He also commemorated historic national movements and underscored the importance of self-reliance as a pillar of India's development.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission and rise of startups

Commending Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for his return from a successful space mission to the International Space Station, PM Modi said his journey has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm and curiosity about space among Indian children. He noted that the space sector is witnessing significant momentum, with more than 200 startups emerging in this domain alone.

#WATCH | In the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...This time, the tournament (World Police and Fire Games) 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… https://t.co/3NBDx3sJXO pic.twitter.com/nHcfgKTSNo

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2025

Referring to India’s achievements in space exploration, including the success of Chandrayaan-3, the Prime Minister said that public excitement around science and space technology is growing rapidly. He reminded listeners that National Space Day is observed on August 23, and invited citizens to share suggestions via the NaMo App.

"Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla came back from space. When Chandrayaan-3 was a success, there was excitement in the country. Space startups are increasing rapidly. On August 23, National Space Day is celebrated. I invite you to send your ideas on the NaMo App," he said.

Remembering freedom fighters and the spirit of August

The Prime Minister recalled the revolutionary spirit associated with the month of August. He paid tribute to Khudiram Bose, one of India's youngest freedom fighters, who was sentenced to death at just 18 years old in 1908 for opposing British rule. "His face showed no fear, only confidence. His sacrifice, along with many others, led us to freedom. August is a month of revolution — we remember our freedom fighters on August 15," he said.

"Every stone has witnessed historical event": PM Modi hails 12 Maratha forts recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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National handloom day and local artisans

Highlighting the Swadeshi Movement, which began on August 7, 1905, PM Modi spoke about the significance of National Handloom Day and the revival of traditional crafts. He shared inspiring stories of weavers and artisans who are reviving age-old techniques with the help of government support.

Among them was Kavita Dhawale from Paithan village in Maharashtra, who has transformed her life by weaving and selling Paithani sarees. Similarly, in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, tribal women have revived the traditional Santhali sarees, creating new economic opportunities. He also mentioned Naveen Kumar from Nalanda, Bihar, whose achievements in the textile sector serve as an example of rural innovation and resilience.

“The textile sector is becoming the strength of our country. Women are reviving Santhali sarees — our cultural heritage. These success stories reflect the power of vocal for local,” he said.

PM Modi highlighted the role of UNESCO, which recently recognised 12 forts in Maharashtra for their historical and cultural significance. He urged people to visit these and other forts across India, such as Raigad, which he personally visited recently. “These forts are symbols of our self-respect and pride. They are not just historical sites but living legacies of our cultural and martial heritage,” he said.

India’s startup boom and Atmanirbhar Bharat

PM Modi revealed that India now has over 3,000 startups, many of which are contributing to sectors like science, space, textiles, and sports. He reiterated that the vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 is closely tied to Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).

“To achieve this, the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement must grow stronger. Startups are leading the way in this journey of innovation and independence,” he said.

 

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Preserving ancient scripts and knowledge

 

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preserving ancient scripts and texts, highlighting efforts by individuals like Mani Maaran from Tamil Nadu, who has dedicated himself to teaching and researching pandulipi (ancient manuscripts). “If such knowledge is translated and shared across the country, it can help bridge the past with the present,” he noted.

He praised the work of Radha Krishna Sankirtan, a spiritual group in Keonjhar, Odisha, led by Pramila Pradhan, which combines devotional music with awareness about forest fires and environmental conservation. “This group’s devotion is matched by their commitment to spreading environmental awareness across villages,” he said.

 

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Technology and biodiversity conservation

Drawing attention to Kaziranga National Park in Assam, PM Modi spoke about a recent initiative to identify over 40 species of grassland birds using artificial intelligence (AI) and voice recording technologies. He highlighted the synergy between technology and ecological sensitivity, which has made such efforts possible. “When technology and sensitivity come together, conservation becomes effective and efficient,” he added.

Sports and Indigenous Equipment

Finally, the Prime Minister emphasised the government's support for sports development and highlighted the growing interest in indigenous sports equipment being produced by Indian startups. “Sports are being promoted widely. Imagine our youth excelling while using equipment made in India,” he said.

 

In this wide-ranging address, Prime Minister Modi not only celebrated the nation’s scientific advancements and cultural heritage but also reinforced the central message of self-reliance, urging citizens to embrace and support local innovations, traditions, and industries as India progresses toward its centennial goal of development by 2047.

 

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