NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Modi celebrated India’s technological advancements and emphasized women’s empowerment during his 119th Mann Ki Baat radio address on Sunday, marking significant milestones in the nation’s space and artificial intelligence sectors.
Modi drew attention to the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) achievement of launching its 100th rocket, comparing it to scoring a century in cricket. “The Champions Trophy is going on these days… But today, I am not going to talk about cricket with you all; rather, I will talk about the wonderful century that India has made in space,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing space capabilities, citing achievements including Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya L-1 missions, along with the record-setting launch of 104 satellites in a single mission.
In discussing artificial intelligence, Modi referenced his recent participation in the AI Action Summit in Paris, where he co-chaired discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. “Recently, I visited Paris to participate in a big AI conference. There, the world greatly appreciated India’s progress in this sector,” he stated.
The address included a significant announcement regarding women’s empowerment: Modi will hand over his social media accounts to inspiring women from across India on National Women’s Day, providing them a platform to share their stories and achievements.
The Prime Minister also encouraged scientific curiosity among youth, urging students to spend “one day as a scientist” on National Science Day by visiting research laboratories, planetariums, and space centers.
Addressing public health concerns, Modi called for a 10% reduction in oil consumption, citing Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra as a role model for fitness and dietary discipline.
The monthly address showcased grassroots innovation in AI, highlighting the work of Thodasam Kailash, a government schoolteacher from Telangana’s Adilabad district, who used AI tools to compose a song in the Kolami language, helping preserve the tribal dialect.
The radio program, which has become a significant platform for the Prime Minister to connect with citizens, continues to focus on technological advancement, scientific development, and social progress as key themes in India’s growth story.
Through this edition of Mann Ki Baat, Modi reinforced his vision of an India that leads in technology while maintaining its cultural heritage and promoting public health and women’s empowerment.
