Calls for stronger research ecosystem
MYSURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said no country could afford to slow down its progress amid rapidly changing technology, stressing that India was building a strong ecosystem for science, research and innovation to keep pace with global advancements.
Speaking after inaugurating COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, India’s first LED Dome planetarium, he said the country had made significant strides in astronomy, astrophysics and space exploration over the past decade, emerging as one of the select nations capable of undertaking complex space missions.
“Today, technology is changing rapidly. No country can take the risk of undermining or slowing down its progress. A strong ecosystem for science and research is being created in the country,” he said.
Modi said the inauguration of the planetarium marked another milestone in promoting scientific temper, particularly among young people. He urged schools and colleges to encourage students to visit the facility, saying exposure to scientific infrastructure could inspire future discoveries and innovations.
Highlighting India’s growing research ecosystem, he said the government had launched a ₹1 lakh crore research and innovation scheme last year to strengthen scientific capabilities and support new ideas.
He also cited the achievements of Indian students at international scientific competitions. Five Indian students participating in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Vietnam this year won four gold medals and one silver medal, he said.
The Prime Minister said India had witnessed remarkable progress in space research, pointing to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to successfully land near the Moon’s south polar region, and the Aditya-L1 mission, the country’s dedicated space-based solar observatory.
He also referred to India’s achievement in space docking and undocking, making it the fourth country to demonstrate the capability, and said experiments conducted during space missions were contributing to the country’s human spaceflight programme.
Modi said the government had opened up the space sector, creating opportunities for startups and young entrepreneurs to develop and launch rockets and undertake projects that had not been attempted earlier.
Emphasising the practical benefits of scientific advancement, he said India’s space programme followed a ‘humanity first’ approach, with technology being used to improve people’s lives.
He cited satellite-based systems developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation to provide fishermen with safety alerts and help them return to shore, as well as the Real-Time Train Tracking System developed with Indian Railways to provide information about train locations.
Space technology was also being used under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to support crop insurance for farmers, he said, adding that India’s approach was to ensure that scientific progress benefited society.
Recalling the slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, Modi said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had added ‘Jai Vigyan’, while he had further incorporated ‘Jai Anusandhan’ to underline the importance of research.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Mysuru’s legacy of promoting education and scientific inquiry, recalling the contributions of the Wadiyar royal family to institutions such as the University of Mysore and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
Drawing a connection between India’s scientific and cultural traditions, he said the country’s traditions of science and spirituality had always progressed together.
Modi congratulated the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, University of Mysore and government departments involved in establishing COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, describing it as an important facility for students and the wider public.
Governor Sudha Yadav, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and other dignitaries were present.
