India
pti-PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is continuously scaling new heights in defence production, military exports, and political cooperation with friendly nations.
PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat address highlighted India’s growing defence capabilities, including INS Mahendragiri and DRDO tests, and the Vikram-1 rocket symbolizing private space sector growth. He also discussed the ‘Catch The Rain’ water conservation campaign and acknowledged national achievements in sports and local innovation.
Addressing his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he also paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War.
Referring to Kargil Vijay Diwas, the prime minister said there are certain days in people’s lives that do not require a calendar to be remembered.
“Today, the 26th of July, is one such date. Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers.
“Towering peaks of Kargil, harsh weather, the challenge posed by the enemy… our soldiers faced every such circumstance, yet their spirit was greater than every challenge,” he said.
Modi said India today not only remembers its heroes but also conveys their stories to the younger generation. With this sentiment, a special ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ has been organised this year.
The prime minister said that alongside the courage of the armed forces, India is also continuously strengthening its technological capabilities.
He said INS Mahendragiri was inducted into the Indian Navy a few days ago. The modern warship has been designed and built in India, with more than 75 per cent of the materials used in it being indigenous.
“It is a symbol of the growing strength of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he said.
Modi said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket this month, crediting scientists and engineers for the achievement.
“Only two-three days ago, the DRDO also successfully tested the Kusha missile,” he said.
“Whether it is defence production, defence exports, or political cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously scaling new heights,” he added.
The prime minister said that during his visit to Indonesia earlier this month, a major agreement regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded, reflecting the growing global confidence in India’s defence equipment and technology.
Referring to India’s first privately developed rocket, he said every Indian felt proud after the successful launch of Vikram-1 last Sunday.
“All of us Indians were witnesses to this historic moment for India’s Space sector. Our young innovators achieved something that was once difficult to even imagine, they displayed remarkable skill, passion, and patience,” he said.
Modi said the Indian space sector had remained closed to private enterprise for a long time, preventing many young innovators from showcasing their talent.
“Keeping the interests of the youth in mind, we opened up the space sector to private enterprise, and today, the world is witnessing the results,” he said.
Speaking about the ‘Catch The Rain’ campaign for rainwater conservation, Modi said the message is simple: conserve water where and when the rain falls.
“That is why a special nationwide campaign has been underway since the 4th of July. Under this initiative, fresh momentum is being given to rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, the rejuvenation of old water bodies, and tree plantation,” he said.
The prime minister also congratulated badminton star P V Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title, saying the entire nation was proud of her achievement.
He also praised the Indian women’s cricket team for securing their first-ever Test victory at Lord’s in London, calling it a historic achievement.
Modi highlighted a unique initiative in South Chittoor, Ernakulam, where a Sanskrit club at a school is being popularised by teacher Abhilash through football-related terminology.
“This project has been named ‘Aksharakanduk’; it explains Sanskrit letters in a simple manner by linking them to terms used in football. This makes learning enjoyable while also fostering a deeper connection between people and sports,” he said.
The prime minister also mentioned the success of Indian students in Science Olympiads, a women’s Self-Help Group in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor that produces ‘Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea’, and the plantation of lakhs of saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
With National Handloom Day set to be observed on August 7, Modi urged people to honour weavers by promoting handloom products.
“Come, let us further strengthen the spirit of being Vocal for Local,” he added.
