My dear fellow citizens, Namaskar. Today, as I address you through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, my heart is heavy with sorrow. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 has deeply affected every Indian. We all share the grief of the families impacted by this tragedy. Regardless of the state we come from or the language we speak, we all feel the pain of those who have lost their loved ones in this heinous attack. The images of the terror strike have enraged every Indian, and we stand united in our outrage.
This attack in Pahalgam reflects the desperation and cowardice of those behind it. At a time when peace was returning to Kashmir, schools and colleges were thriving, construction was progressing rapidly, democracy was strengthening, tourism was at a record high, and people’s livelihoods were improving, the enemies of our nation and Jammu and Kashmir could not bear it. These terrorists and their masterminds wish to undo the progress, and therefore, they orchestrated this deadly conspiracy.
In this fight against terrorism, the unity of our 140 crore citizens is our greatest strength. This unity forms the foundation of our determined battle against terror. We must strengthen our resolve as a nation to confront this challenge head-on. Today, the entire world is watching as our nation speaks with one voice in response to this attack.
Friends, the anger we feel as Indians is shared globally. Following the recent terrorist attack, messages of condolences have been pouring in from around the world. Global leaders have reached out to me through calls, letters, and messages, all strongly condemning this heinous act. They have expressed their sympathies to the families of the victims. The entire world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that justice will prevail, and the perpetrators and masterminds behind this attack will face the harshest consequences.
On another note, we recently lost one of India’s greatest scientists, Dr. K. Kasturirangan. In our meetings, we often discussed the potential of Indian youth, modern education, and the advancement of space science. Dr. Kasturirangan’s contributions to science, education, and India’s space program will always be remembered. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved remarkable milestones, and the space programs that progressed during his tenure brought global recognition to India’s efforts. Many of the satellites currently in use by India were launched under his guidance.
Dr. Kasturirangan also emphasized the importance of innovation, a value that can inspire the younger generation. His vision of learning and pursuing new knowledge was truly motivating. Additionally, Dr. Kasturirangan played a key role in shaping India’s new National Education Policy, creating a forward-thinking framework to meet the needs of the 21st century. His dedication to the nation and his immense contribution to nation-building will always be cherished. I pay my humble tribute to Dr. K. Kasturirangan.
My dear fellow countrymen, this month of April marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Aryabhata Satellite. Reflecting on these 50 years, we realize just how far we have come. India’s space journey began with nothing but determination. A group of passionate young scientists, without the modern resources and access to global technology we have today, relied solely on their talent, dedication, hard work, and patriotism. You may have seen images of our scientists transporting essential equipment on bullock carts and bicycles. It is this very dedication and service to the nation that has led to such incredible progress.
Today, India is a global space powerhouse. We set a world record by launching 104 satellites simultaneously, and we became the first country to reach the Moon’s South Pole. India’s Mars Orbiter Mission and the Aditya-L1 mission, which took us closer to the Sun, are among the major milestones. Our space program is not only cost-effective but also one of the most successful in the world. Many countries now seek the assistance of ISRO for their satellite launches and space missions.
When we witness an ISRO satellite launch, we are filled with immense pride. I felt the same when I was present at the launch of PSLV-C-23 in 2014 and during the Chandrayaan-2 landing in 2019. While the Chandrayaan mission faced challenges, I witnessed firsthand the patience and determination of our scientists. Just a few years later, the world saw the success of Chandrayaan-3, thanks to their relentless efforts.
Now, India has opened its space sector to private enterprises. Today, many young Indians are achieving remarkable milestones in space startups. Ten years ago, there was only one space company, but now over 325 space startups are flourishing in India. The future holds countless possibilities in space exploration. India is poised to reach even greater heights with upcoming missions like Gaganyaan, SpaDeX, and Chandrayaan-4. We are also working on the Venus Orbiter Mission and Mars Lander Mission. Our space scientists are set to inspire the nation with their groundbreaking innovations.
Friends, you must have seen the distressing images of the earthquake that struck Myanmar last month. The devastation was immense, and every second counted for those trapped under the debris. In response, India swiftly launched Operation Brahma to assist our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. From Air Force aircraft to Navy ships, all necessary resources were mobilized to provide aid. The Indian team set up a field hospital and sent engineers to assess the damage to vital infrastructure. Supplies including blankets, tents, medicines, food, and more were delivered, and the team received heartfelt appreciation from the people there.
During this crisis, numerous inspiring stories of courage, patience, and resourcefulness emerged. One such example was the rescue of a 70-year-old woman who had been buried under rubble for over 18 hours. The Indian rescue team provided life-saving care, stabilizing her oxygen levels and treating her fractures. When she was discharged, she expressed her profound gratitude, stating that the Indian team had given her a second chance at life. Many others shared how the team helped them reconnect with lost loved ones.
Following the earthquake, there was concern that people might be trapped in a monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar. The Indian team conducted relief and rescue operations there as well, earning the blessings of Buddhist monks. We take immense pride in the efforts of those who participated in Operation Brahma. India’s deep-rooted tradition of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the belief that the whole world is one family—shines through in these acts of service, reinforcing India’s commitment to humanity as the Vishwa-Mitra, or global friend.
Friends, I have also come across an inspiring initiative by NRIs in Ethiopia. Indian citizens living there have come together to send children suffering from congenital heart disease to India for treatment. Many of these children receive financial assistance from Indian families, and arrangements are made to help families who cannot afford travel expenses. This noble initiative ensures that every child in need has access to the medical care they deserve. It is a testament to the growing recognition of India’s advanced medical facilities, which are benefiting citizens of other countries as well.
Recently, India also sent a significant quantity of vaccines to Afghanistan, aimed at preventing diseases such as Rabies, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Influenza. In response to a request from Nepal, India has also dispatched medicines and vaccines to treat patients with thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Whenever humanitarian needs arise, India stands at the forefront, ready to offer support and assistance, and we will continue to do so in the future.
Friends, in times of disaster, the key to effective management is preparedness. India has developed a special mobile app, ‘Sachet’, to help you stay alert and safe during natural disasters. Whether it’s floods, cyclones, landslides, tsunamis, forest fires, or other emergencies, the ‘Sachet APP’ provides critical updates and alerts. Developed by India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the app also offers information in regional languages to ensure accessibility for all. I encourage you to download and use the ‘Sachet APP’ and share your experiences with us.
Friends, there has been significant success in growing saffron in Wayanad, and remarkably, this is being achieved using the Aeroponics technique, not in traditional fields or soil. Similarly, the production of litchi, once limited to states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, has now expanded to South India and Rajasthan. Thiru Veera Arasu of Tamil Nadu, once a coffee farmer, planted litchi trees in Kodaikanal. After seven years of effort, the trees have begun to bear fruit. His success has inspired other local farmers, including Jitendra Singh Ranawat, who has succeeded in growing litchi in Rajasthan. These examples are truly inspiring. They show that with determination and persistence, even the impossible can become possible.
My dear countrymen, as we reach the last Sunday of April and look ahead to May, I want to take you back 108 years to 1917. During these months of April and May, a pivotal struggle for India’s independence was underway. The British atrocities were at their peak, exploiting the poor, deprived, and farmers beyond measure. In Bihar, the British forced farmers to grow indigo, a crop that ruined their land. The farmers were starving, with no food to eat. In this dire situation, Gandhiji arrived in Champaran, Bihar, in 1917.
The farmers shared their plight with Gandhiji, saying, “Our land is dying, and we have no food to survive.” Moved by their pain, Gandhiji initiated the historic Champaran Satyagraha, which was his first major experiment in India. The British were shaken by this movement and had to revoke the law forcing farmers to grow indigo. This victory strengthened the resolve of those fighting for freedom. Many of you know that Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a prominent figure from Bihar, also played a significant role in this movement. He later became India’s first President and authored the book ‘Satyagraha in Champaran’, which every young person should read.
April is a month marked by many significant events in India’s freedom struggle. Gandhiji’s Dandi March culminated on April 6th, and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre also took place in April. The painful memories of this tragic event still haunt Punjab. Friends, as we approach May, we will soon commemorate the anniversary of the first war of independence on May 10th. The spark from this battle ignited a fire in the hearts of countless freedom fighters.
On April 26th, we marked the death anniversary of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh, a great hero of the 1857 revolution. He continues to inspire us all. It’s essential to keep the memory and sacrifices of such freedom fighters alive as they energize our journey towards Amritkaal.
Friends, over the course of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, you have developed a deep connection with this program. Through it, we share the remarkable achievements of our fellow citizens. Next month, we’ll continue our discussion about the country’s diversity, glorious traditions, and new milestones. We will hear stories of individuals who are transforming society through their dedication and service. As always, I encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions with us. Thank you, Namaskar.