July 29, 2025

On the eve of National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the opportunity to celebrate India's remarkable advancements in the space sector. Speaking during his 124th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, Modi referenced the inspiring journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the astronauts from the recent Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Modi expressed that Shukla's return was met with overwhelming joy across the nation, remarking how the astronaut’s achievement filled every heart with pride. This sentiment illustrates the growing public interest and investment in space exploration, particularly following the success of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which landed on the Moon in August 2023. During the address, Modi elaborated on the significant curiosity about space that has emerged among the younger generation. He shared that children are now expressing aspirations to travel to space and become scientists, inspired by recent achievements in space exploration. He emphasized an educational initiative called INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, which aims to foster innovation among students by allowing them to develop scientific ideas. Under this initiative, five students from each school are selected to present new ideas, leading to an impressive increase in participation following Chandrayaan-3’s success. When Modi began the INSPIRE-MANAK program, there were many innovative children, but since the recent space mission, the number has doubled, showcasing the growing enthusiasm among children towards science and exploration. Furthermore, Modi highlighted the booming space startup industry in India, noting that the number of startups has quadrupled over the past five years, soaring from fewer than 50 to more than 200. This growth indicates a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit being harnessed within the nation’s space landscape. Looking forward to National Space Day on August 23, Modi encouraged citizens to share their ideas on how to celebrate this significant occasion through the NaMo App. He concluded by giving a nod to the achievements of students in science and mathematics, celebrating the brightest minds of the country. PM Modi's remarks not only reflect pride in India’s space achievements but also inspire future generations to aim higher in the fields of science and technology. The emphasis on innovation and curiosity among children bodes well for the country's future in space exploration and beyond.

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Tags: Pm modi, Space sector, Space startups, Chandrayaan-3, National space day,