Youth Dedication Is Viksit Bharat’s Strength: PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

NEW DELHI: Citing recent achievements across sectors ranging from space manufacturing to agriculture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the dedication of India’s youth is the greatest strength of Viksit Bharat.

In his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister spoke about the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Constitution Day celebrations at the Central Hall, and the hoisting of the Dharmadhwaja atop the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as key inspirational developments in November. He also urged citizens to participate in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi and use it as an opportunity to learn Tamil.

Modi highlighted the inauguration of the world’s largest LEAP engine MRO facility in Hyderabad and the induction of INS Mahe into the Indian Navy.

“Just a few days ago, I inaugurated the world’s largest LEAP engine MRO facility in Hyderabad. India has taken a major step in the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul sector. Last week, during a ceremony in Mumbai, INS Mahe was inducted into the Indian Navy. Skyroot’s Infinity Campus has also given a new boost to India’s space ecosystem. This reflects India’s new thinking, innovation and youth power,” he said.

He referred to a video on social media of a unique drone competition organised by ISRO. “In this video, the youth of our country, especially Gen-Z, were trying to fly drones in conditions similar to those on Mars,” he said, explaining that they were attempting to fly drones using only cameras and onboard software in the absence of GPS.

The Prime Minister recalled that the young participants succeeded only after multiple failures, similar to how ISRO scientists bounced back after Chandrayaan-2 lost contact and eventually succeeded with Chandrayaan-3.

“This success was built on the confidence that comes from emerging out of failure. I saw the same spark in the eyes of the young people in this video,” he said.

“Every time I see the dedication of our youth and the commitment of our scientists, my heart fills with enthusiasm. This dedication is one of the greatest strengths of Viksit Bharat,” he added.

Modi also spoke at length about bee-farming initiatives, achievements in sports, India winning the bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and his recent visits to South Africa for the G-20 Summit and to Bhutan.

“Today, India is setting new records in honey production. Eleven years ago, annual production was 76,000 metric tonnes. It has now increased to more than 1.5 lakh metric tonnes. Honey exports have also risen more than three-fold in recent years,” he said.

On the upcoming Kashi–Tamil Sangamam, Mr. Modi said, “The fourth Kashi–Tamil Sangamam is commencing on December 2 at Namo Ghat in Kashi. This year’s theme—‘Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam’—is particularly interesting. The event has become an important platform for everyone connected to the Tamil language.”

He added that people in Kashi enjoy participating in the event as it allows them to learn new things and meet new people. “This time too, the people of Kashi are eager to welcome their brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu with full enthusiasm. I urge all of you to be part of the Kashi–Tamil Sangamam,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that people in Puducherry and along the Malabar coast were delighted by the naming of the naval ship INS Mahe, a place with rich historical heritage.

“Many in Kerala and Tamil Nadu pointed out that the warship’s crest resembles the traditional flexible sword of Urumi and Kalaripayattu,” he said, adding that it was a matter of pride that the Navy was moving rapidly towards self-reliance.

Modi also recalled gifting culturally significant items to world leaders during the G-20 Summit in South Africa.

“During the G-20, I presented a bronze statue of Nataraja to the President of South Africa. This is a wonderful example of Chola-era craftsmanship rooted in Thanjavur’s cultural heritage,” he said.

He added that the Canadian Prime Minister received a silver horse replica from Udaipur, the Japanese Prime Minister a silver Buddha crafted in Telangana’s Karimnagar, and the Italian Prime Minister a silver mirror with floral motifs from Karimnagar.

“I also presented the Australian Prime Minister with a brass urli, an exquisite craft from Mannar, Kerala. My aim was to make the world aware of India’s crafts, art and traditions, and to provide a global platform to the talent of our artisans,” he said.