New Delhi, Jun 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defence and aviation, saying the successful maiden flight of the Made-in-India C-295 aircraft and the induction of three indigenously built naval platforms marked significant milestones in the country’s journey towards becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Addressing the nation in his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Modi said 40 C-295 aircraft are being manufactured in India, providing a major boost to the MSME and aerospace sectors while creating employment opportunities.
He also referred to the induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray into the Indian Navy, stating that everything from the design to manufacturing of the ships was indigenous. He further noted that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully tested an indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile, underscoring India’s growing defence capabilities from “the seas to the skies.”
The Prime Minister praised the overwhelming response to International Yoga Day, saying yoga events were held at over 2,500 locations worldwide while crores of people participated across India. He also congratulated Indian athletes for topping the medal tally with 114 medals, including 102 gold, at the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad.
Highlighting the importance of public participation in nation-building, Modi thanked citizens for responding positively to his recent appeal amid the prevailing war-like situation in West Asia. He said many families postponed gold purchases and foreign travel, embraced carpooling, increased the use of public transport and adopted natural fertilisers, reflecting collective responsibility during challenging times.
The Prime Minister also showcased the success of social security initiatives, stating that over 58 crore people have enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, while more than 27 crore have joined the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. He urged people to spread awareness about these affordable insurance schemes among their families.
Speaking against superstition, Modi stressed the importance of scientific thinking and cited the conservation of Assam’s rare Hargila bird as an example of how awareness can transform public perception. He praised biologist Purnima Devi Barman and the “Hargila Army” of rural women for successfully protecting the endangered bird.
The Prime Minister also lauded sporting initiatives such as the Nagaland Baby League and Nagaland Women’s Futsal League for promoting grassroots sports and providing opportunities to young athletes and women.
On education and technology, Modi said Nalanda University has revived the ancient tradition of Shaastraarth (intellectual discourse), while the Central Sanskrit University is launching a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science to integrate modern technology with India’s traditional knowledge systems.
Highlighting India’s cultural influence abroad, Modi praised the efforts of “Brahmakamal Dominicana,” a group of Spanish-speaking enthusiasts in the Dominican Republic learning Vedic literature and chanting Sanskrit mantras.
The Prime Minister also spoke about Meghalaya’s living root bridges, saying India has nominated them for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Network. He appreciated local communities and Padma awardee Hally War for preserving the unique ecological heritage.
Referring to environmental conservation, Modi applauded women in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district for converting plastic waste into eco-bricks used for public beautification. He also appealed to people to opt for clay idols instead of Plaster of Paris during Ganesh Utsav to protect water bodies and the environment.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for water conservation and urged citizens to maintain the momentum of the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign by ensuring that every drop of rainwater is saved. (Agencies)
Modi receives Seychelles’ top honour
Victoria (Seychelles), Jun 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the honorary title ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Sunday, marking the 34th international honour bestowed upon him by a foreign nation.
Accepting the honour, Modi thanked the people and government of Seychelles and dedicated the recognition to countries working to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
“I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all those countries that are fighting the challenge of climate change and consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations,” the Prime Minister said in a social media post.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighting initiatives such as Mission LiFE, the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as examples of the country’s efforts towards a greener future.
Modi is on a three-day visit to the island nation, during which he will hold bilateral talks with President Herminie and attend Seychelles’ National Day golden jubilee celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister handed over a ‘Made in India’ fast patrol vessel to the Seychelles Coast Guard, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening the island nation’s maritime security capabilities.
Earlier this month, Modi was awarded Slovakia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class).
