New Delhi, 26 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he feels immensely proud of India's youth and expressed happiness over the growing culture of Olympiads and hackathons in the country. He said he is confident that an increasing number of young Indians will participate in such forums and continue to raise India's profile on the global stage.

Addressing the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said the decision to open India's space sector to private companies has produced remarkable results that the world is witnessing today. He said the successful launch of Vikram-1, the first rocket developed by India's private sector, has made the nation proud. Describing it as an outstanding example of the talent, innovation, skill and perseverance of Indian youth, he also applauded the exceptional performance of Indian students at the International Science Olympiads.

Prime Minister Modi noted that every Indian participant won a gold medal at the International Physics and Chemistry Olympiads, while all Indian contestants also secured medals at the International Biology Olympiad, bringing immense pride to the nation.

Paying tribute to former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary, the Prime Minister said Dr Kalam dedicated his life to inspiring young people to dream big. He also urged citizens to express gratitude to parents, teachers and all mentors on the forthcoming occasion of Guru Purnima.

On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the brave martyrs and soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces. He said the day reminds the nation of the extraordinary courage displayed by India's soldiers. He added that while the country remembers its heroes, it also ensures that their stories of valour reach the younger generation. In this context, he referred to the 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra', the motorcycle expedition that began from the National War Memorial in New Delhi on July 14 and will conclude at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

The Prime Minister said that alongside strengthening the courage and capabilities of its Armed Forces, India is continuously enhancing its technological strength. He said the country is scaling new heights in defence manufacturing, defence exports and strategic cooperation with friendly nations. The induction of INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy and the successful test of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), he said, reflect India's growing self-reliance in the defence sector.

Appealing to citizens to conserve every drop of water, Prime Minister Modi urged people to take responsibility for preserving at least one pond, well or stepwell in their surroundings. He cited several examples of successful community-led water conservation efforts from across the country.

Highlighting India's sporting achievements, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes to Indian athletes participating in the Commonwealth Games. He congratulated P.V. Sindhu on becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title. He also described the Indian women's cricket team's maiden Test victory at Lord's as a historic achievement and a proud moment for the nation's women.

Referring to an innovative educational initiative in South Chittoor, Ernakulam, Kerala, Prime Minister Modi spoke about a Sanskrit Club where teacher Abhilash is popularising Sanskrit in a unique manner. Under the initiative titled 'Aksharakanduk', Sanskrit letters are linked with football terminology, making language learning simple, enjoyable and engaging for students.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Kashmir's traditional 'Vagu' mat, praising the efforts of local artisans to revive the fading craft. Handwoven from reeds and paddy straw, the environmentally friendly mat keeps homes cool during summer and warm in winter. He said Ghulam Hussain and his daughter Tanzila from Srinagar have taken a pledge to revive this traditional art, inspiring many others to join the initiative. With government support and local participation, 'Vagu' mats are now gaining popularity across the country, strengthening the 'Vocal for Local' campaign.

Prime Minister Modi also lauded the 'Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea' prepared by women from a self-help group in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. He said the herbal tea has become a symbol of women's self-reliance and is earning recognition in India and abroad because of its quality and unique flavour. The initiative began with an investment of just Rs 1 lakh and has now grown into a recognised brand supplying major institutions across the country.

Appreciating the initiative, the Prime Minister remarked, You all know very well about my association with tea. But the tea I am speaking about today has not only offered great taste, it has also infused the lives of many women with the fragrance of self-reliance.

Prime Minister Modi said plastic pollution has emerged as a major global challenge and stressed that recycling is essential to address the problem. Citing the example of Sitamarhi in Bihar, he said strong and environmentally friendly benches are being manufactured from single-use plastic waste. Around 40 kilograms of plastic is used to produce each bench. He said the initiative is contributing to environmental conservation while also generating employment and raising public awareness, thereby strengthening the principles of 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle'.

The Prime Minister once again appealed to people to install eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha made from Indian clay instead of Plaster of Paris (PoP) or imported idols during this year's Ganesh Utsav, thereby contributing to environmental protection.

Highlighting scientific achievements, Prime Minister Modi referred to Manipur-born astrophysicist Dr Ronaldo Laishram. He said Dr Laishram, who is currently working in Japan, is part of the scientific team that discovered a massive cluster of young galaxies. The cluster has been named the 'Loktak Proto-Cluster' after Manipur's famous Loktak Lake.

The Prime Minister also mentioned Tripura's traditional musical instrument 'Chongpreng' and praised the efforts of Suraj Kumar Debbarma, who is working to preserve the instrument and pass on the state's rich musical traditions to younger generations. He urged people to share information about traditional musical instruments from their respective regions on social media so that India's rich musical heritage receives wider recognition.

Prime Minister Modi said National Handloom Day will be observed on August 7. He praised the skill of India's weavers and their contribution to preserving the country's rich cultural heritage. He appealed to citizens to strengthen the 'Vocal for Local' campaign by purchasing handloom and handicraft products. He added that traditional weaving centres in Pochampally, Kutch, Patna and Kerala, among several others, are gaining renewed recognition, creating employment opportunities, particularly for women.

The Prime Minister said the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign has led to the plantation of millions of saplings through massive public participation, giving fresh momentum to environmental conservation. He noted that Ahmedabad's Bhadaj area created a Guinness World Record by planting more than 3.5 lakh saplings within an hour. In Uttar Pradesh, over 35 crore saplings were planted on a single day, July 12, demonstrating an extraordinary example of community participation.

He emphasised that trees are not only vital for human beings but also provide shelter to countless living species. Referring to Gujarat's Gir forests, he said the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill after nearly six decades is a significant conservation success. Calling the hornbill the 'farmer of the forests', he explained that the bird helps forests regenerate by dispersing seeds over large distances. He urged people to connect important occasions in their lives with nature by planting trees under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

Prime Minister Modi further said that Khadi sales have increased sixfold over the past 12 years, reaching nearly Rs 8,000 crore. He appealed to people to support local artisans and weavers by purchasing Khadi, handloom and handicraft products during the festive season.

Concluding the programme, the Prime Minister said August 15 is a day to remember the sacrifice and dedication of India's freedom fighters. He noted that the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign has united the country in the spirit of national unity. He urged every citizen to hoist the Tricolour with pride and respect at their homes this year as well and participate enthusiastically in the campaign. He also appealed to people to share their suggestions for Independence Day celebrations through the MyGov platform.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar