PM Modi Highlights India’s Science, Culture and Grassroots Heroes
In the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat aired on July 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised a range of national achievements, focusing on India’s progress in science, cultural preservation, women-led initiatives, and grassroots innovation.
Boost for Space and Startups
The Prime Minister applauded the Indian space community for its growing innovation. He acknowledged the return of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and the achievements of Chandrayaan-3, saying the missions have inspired children and fueled interest in science and exploration. Modi noted that the number of startups in the Indian space sector has increased to over 200 in recent years, indicating a strong ecosystem of innovation.
He also emphasized support for sports-related startups under the new Khelo Bharat Niti 2025. Encouraging local manufacturing of sporting equipment, he said, “Imagine how much strength lies in the idea of our youth playing with self-made rackets, bats and balls.”
Women-Led Change and Sustainability
Two all-women groups from Odisha received special praise. In Keonjhar, a group used devotional music to raise awareness about forest fires, reportedly reducing the number of incidents from 288 in 2023 to just 26 in 2025. In Mayurbhanj, over 650 tribal women revived the art of Santhali handloom, creating sustainable incomes for their communities while preserving traditional skills.
In Goa, the Prime Minister highlighted a women-led waste management initiative in Panaji that categorizes waste into 16 groups. The city’s systematic cleanliness efforts earned it a presidential award, and Modi stressed the importance of making cleanliness a daily habit.
Heritage Conservation and Education
The Prime Minister also acknowledged efforts to preserve ancient manuscripts. He praised Dr. Mani Maran of Thanjavur for digitizing Tamil texts and offering free lessons in manuscript reading. These efforts were aligned with the National Digital Repository being developed under the Gyan Bharatam Mission to safeguard India’s literary heritage.
Modi encouraged people to explore historic sites such as the forts of Bundelkhand, linking them to India’s cultural values of courage and unity. He also spoke of recent technological initiatives in preserving wildlife, such as monitoring bird populations in regions like Kaziranga.
Final Note
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called on citizens to celebrate India’s diversity and cultural depth, and to take pride in the everyday heroes who are shaping the country’s future through small but significant acts.
