Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Announces National Space Day on Aug 23, Hails India’s Rising Space Start-ups
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 124th episode of his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, congratulated the nation for recent achievements in science, sports, and culture, saying these milestones make every Indian proud.
Speaking about astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s safe return to Earth, Modi said it filled the country with joy and pride. He also noted a surge in children’s interest in science after the Chandrayaan-3 success. Under the INSPIRE MANAK campaign, millions of children have already engaged in innovation projects—double the number compared to before Chandrayaan-3.
The Prime Minister highlighted the growth of space start-ups in India, which have risen from fewer than 50 five years ago to over 200 today. He announced that August 23 will be celebrated as National Space Day and invited citizens to send suggestions via the NaMo app.
Modi also lauded Indian students for winning multiple medals at international Chemistry and Mathematics Olympiads and revealed that Mumbai will host the largest-ever Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad next month.
On cultural heritage, Modi shared that UNESCO has declared 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites, including 11 in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. He praised Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for his courage, vision, and historical contributions.