New Delhi, India – July 27, 2025 – Ahead of the upcoming National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday utilized his 124th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode to underscore India’s expanding capabilities in the space sector and its burgeoning scientific spirit. The Prime Minister highlighted the recent return of IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station (ISS) and the monumental success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission as key achievements fostering a renewed enthusiasm for science across the nation.
Speaking about Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was one of the four crew members of the Axiom-4 mission, PM Modi expressed the widespread joy and pride that rippled through the country upon his safe return to Earth. “Recently, there was a lot of discussion in the country about the return of Shubhanshu Shukla from space. As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on Earth, people jumped with joy, and a wave of happiness ran through every heart. The whole country was filled with pride,” PM Modi stated. Group Captain Shukla’s mission marked a historic moment as he became the first Indian to stay on the ISS and the second Indian to be in space after Rakesh Sharma, 41 years ago.
The Prime Minister also revisited the profound impact of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which successfully landed on the Moon in August 2023. He noted how this achievement created an unprecedented atmosphere of curiosity and excitement for space and science-related endeavors, particularly among children. “I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science, about space. Little children now say, we will also go to Space; we will also land on the moon -we will become space scientists,” PM Modi shared. To commemorate this landmark achievement, August 23 has been designated as National Space Day. PM Modi urged citizens to consider how they would celebrate the upcoming occasion and encouraged them to send their ideas via the NaMo App.
Further illustrating India’s growing scientific prowess, PM Modi specifically mentioned the ‘INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan’. This initiative aims to promote innovation among children by providing them with a platform to develop innovative ideas rooted in science. The Prime Minister observed a significant increase in participation: “So far, lakhs of children have joined INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled.” The INSPIRE-MANAK scheme (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) targets fostering creativity and innovative thinking among school children aged 10-15 (Classes 6-10), aiming for ten lakh ideas annually, with one lakh ideas eligible for an INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the remarkable growth in India’s space startup ecosystem. “Indian start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Five years ago, there were fewer than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200,” he noted, indicating a nearly quadrupling of ventures in this critical sector.
Beyond space, PM Modi lauded Indian students for their recent achievements in international science and mathematics competitions. He gave a special shout-out to the country’s brightest young minds, announcing, “In 21st-century India, science is progressing with a renewed energy. A few days ago, our students won medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad.” Indeed, India achieved a stellar performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai, UAE, from July 5 to 14, 2025, securing two gold and two silver medals and ranking sixth globally.
He further added, “India has also strengthened its image in the world of mathematics. In the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, our students won 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal.” At the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025, held in Sunshine Coast, Australia, India secured three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, achieving a commendable 7th rank globally with its highest-ever team score of 193 out of 252.
Looking ahead, PM Modi also announced that the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad is scheduled to be held in Mumbai next month, from August 11 to 21, 2025. “Students from over 60 countries will participate in this event. Scientists, too, will be there. This will be the biggest Olympiad to date. In a way, India is now moving ahead for both the Olympics and the Olympiads,” he stated, emphasizing India’s growing prominence in global scientific and academic spheres.