PM hails scientists for space docking of satellites in Mann Ki Baat

EC used power of technology to strengthen people’s power: Modi

20/01/2025

NEW DELHI, Jan 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme on Sunday hailed scientists for space docking of satellites, lauded the success of Startup India and also highlighted the unifying spirit of the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
The Prime Minister said that the upcoming Republic Day - January 26 - is special as the country is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution.
"I salute all those great persons of the Constituent Assembly who gave us our sacred Constitution," Modi said.
Remembering Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Dr Rajendra Prasad and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the PM said, "Citizens must take inspiration from the thoughts of these great leaders."
Modi also highlighted the importance of National Voters Day, which will be celebrated on January 25, stating, "This day is important because on this day the Election Commission of India was established".
Lauding the role and contributions of the Election Commission, the PM said, "Constitution makers have accorded a significant place to the Election Commission in the Constitution and people's participation in democracy. Democracy has strengthened and prospered in the country."
"The country is setting new benchmarks in space technology and visionary scientists and innovators are providing solutions to future challenges," he added, mentioning Bengaluru-based Indian space-tech startup Pixxel, which has successfully launched the country's first private satellite constellation, named Firefly. This achievement is a big step towards self-reliance.Applauding the space docking of satellites, the PM said,
"This technology is important for sending supplies to space stations and conducting missions in space. India has become the fourth country to achieve this success. Scientists are also making efforts to grow plants in space."
"IIT Madras's ExTeM Centre is working on new technologies for manufacturing in space. This Centre is researching technologies like 3D-printed buildings, metal foams and optical fibres in space," the Prime Minister highlighted.
He said research of ExTeM will strengthen the country's Gaganyaan mission and the future space station, besides opening new avenues of modern technology in manufacturing.
Regarding the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister said, "This is an extraordinary confluence of equality and harmony. This festival of Kumbh celebrates the festival of unity in diversity and people congregate on the sands of the Sangam."
"When the young generation connects with its civilization with pride, its roots become stronger," Modi said, pointing out that this year the country is witnessing the digital footprints of the Kumbh on such a large scale. The global popularity of the Kumbh is a matter of pride for every Indian, he added.
"Lakhs of Ram devotees had a darshan of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya and received his blessings on the day of Paush Shukla Dwadashi," the PM said, stressing that efforts must be made to preserve the country's heritage and take inspiration from that while working on the path of development.
The PM also highlighted the unique efforts of a group of villagers from Naugaon in Assam, who formed the 'Hathi Bandhu' team to protect their crops and expressed happiness over the formation of two new Tiger Reserves, Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh and Ratapani Tiger Reserve in MP.
The country's startup culture is not limited to big cities, and more than half of the startups are from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, PM said. He added, "Ambala, Hisar, Kangra, Chengalpattu, Bilaspur, Gwalior, and Washim are becoming centres for startups, and the registration of startups in Nagaland increased by more than 200 percent last year."
"Waste Management, Non-Renewable Energy, Biotechnology and Logistics are the sectors in which the most number of Start-Ups are being noticed," he said.
"The path to innovation, creativity and success is certain to come up through complete dedication and enthusiasm," the PM added.
Pointing towards the good work done by the citizens for the betterment of society and the environment, Modi referred to the work of Deepak Nabam of Arunachal Pradesh, who is running a living-home, where mentally unwell, physically challenged people and the elderly are served and drug addicts are taken care of.
"The work of K. Hindumbi, a nurse on the Kavaratti island of Lakshadweep is also very inspiring," the PM said, adding the marine ecosystem of Minicoy Island is improving with hard work and efforts of KG Mohammad of Lakshadweep.
The Prime Minister also expressed happiness over Virgin coconut oil in the Nicobar district getting the GI Tag.
"Self-help groups are being formed by organising the women associated with the production of this oil and they are also being imparted special training in marketing and branding. This is a big step towards economically empowering tribal communities," he said.
Remembering the contributions of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the PM said, "The country will celebrate January 23 as Parakram Diwas on Netaji's birth anniversary."
He termed "Subhash Babu" as a visionary leader. Netaji did many great things as an administrator and his efforts for the welfare of people are remembered even today, the PM said, urging the youth of the country to read as much as possible about Netaji and derive inspiration from his life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Election Commission on Sunday, saying it has used the power of technology to strengthen people’s power and also shown commitment to a fair polling process.
Modi’s praise for the poll body in his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast came ahead of its foundation day on January 25, observed as the National Voters’ Day, and amid frequent criticism from the opposition for its alleged pro-BJP bias.
The EC has modernised and strengthened the election process from time to time, Modi asserted.
“It has used power of technology to strengthen people’s power,” he said, asking people to participate in the polling process in large numbers to be part of democratic process and empowering it.
Opposition parties have increasingly raised questions on the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and Modi’s remarks can be seen as an endorsement of the EVMs.
The prime minister said doubts were cast on India’s viability as a democracy after it became independent, but the country proved them wrong. After all, India is mother of democracy, he said.
The programme was held on the third Sunday this month as against the last, which is usually the case, as next Sunday is Republic Day, Modi noted.
The prime minister played short audio clips of some of the members of India’s constituent assembly, including its chairman Rajendra Prasad, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Syama Prasad Mookerjee, to highlight the values they promoted.
Ambedkar called for everyone to work together in everyone’s interest, while Prasad highlighted India’s commitment to humanistic values, he noted.
“We should take inspiration from them to build an India of which our Constitution makers would have been proud,” Modi said.
The Republic Day will mark the 75th anniversary of the implementation of Constitution, he said.
Speaking of the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the prime minister said people of various castes and regions have come together. There is no discrimination of any kind, he added.
Modi said extensive participation of the youth is visible in the gigantic get-together of devouts, saying it will strengthen civilisational roots and assure a gold future.
The event’s global popularity is a matter of pride for every Indian, he added.

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