Indians have always had a special fascination with astronomy: PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s deep connection with astronomy, saying navigation, calendars and festivals have long been linked to the sky and stars.

Prime Minister Modi on Sunday also expressed his “deep fascination” over the repatriation of 11th century Chola era copper plates (Anaimanglam plates) from the Netherlands to India after over 300 years.

Addressing the 134th edition of Mann Ki Baat, he noted that astronomy continues to inspire curiosity and exploration among the youth, with astronomy clubs rapidly gaining popularity across the country.

Highlighting India’s rich astronomical heritage, Prime Minister Modi said centuries-old observatories across the country bear witness to remarkable mathematical and scientific discoveries. He noted that astronomy has fascinated generations of Indians and continues to pique the interest of young minds.

“We Indians have always had a special fascination with astronomy. In our country, there are still centuries-old observatories, where astonishing mathematical discoveries have been made. Be it navigation, the almanac or our festivals, they are all linked to the sky and the stars. Astronomy has awakened the curiosity of every generation, inspiring exploration, and today’s youth also show a lot of enthusiasm for it. You may have noticed that astronomy clubs are rapidly gaining popularity across the country,” he says. said.

The Prime Minister said the growing interest in astronomy is visible from big cities to small towns, schools and public parks.

“Their activities are visible from big cities to small towns, from schools to parks. I have heard about the Bangalore Astronomical Society, where observing sessions are being held. This organization has also started a mission to popularize astronomy in rural areas. A team called ‘Khastronomy Mandal’ has launched a very innovative 30-hour course,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the appeal of stargazing, calling it a unique and enriching experience.

“Stargazing at night is a wonderful experience in itself. An organization called Astro Kerala organizes night observing camps and workshops. Here, youngsters learn how to make telescopes and use star maps. The Big Bang Astronomy Club in Rajkot has organized many astronomy events from the forests of Gir to the Rann of Kutch,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi also recognized the contributions of Jyotirvidya Parisanstha, one of India’s oldest astronomy institutions, which provides observation facilities as well as libraries of books and telescopes. Additionally, he mentioned ISAAC, a national student-led network that connects astronomy and astrophysics clubs, helping to foster scientific curiosity and collaboration among young enthusiasts.

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted an inspiring initiative by a Tamil Nadu teacher, Girija Amma, who mobilized thousands of students to contribute to the welfare of Indian soldiers, saying such efforts reflect the spirit of service that is slowly taking shape across the country.

Prime Minister Modi recalls meeting a teacher, Girija Amma, in Nagercoil last month, almost three decades after their first interaction. He said Girija Amma, who runs three educational institutions including Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidhyalaya in Chennai, took inspiration from Mann Ki Baat to launch a unique campaign in support of the country’s armed forces.

PM Modi also expressed his deep fascination with the Chola era copper plates brought back from India.

During Mann Ki Baatthe Prime Minister said, “Ancient copper plates from the Chola period were returned to India in a special ceremony organized in the Netherlands. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands was also present at the event. I am constantly receiving messages from India and abroad regarding these copper plates. People express their happiness and pride. There is also a particular enthusiasm within the Tamil community around the world. »

He added that the 21 large and three small copper plaques depict the achievements of the Chola dynasty.

“These include 21 large and three small copper plates. These are mainly related to King Rajendra Chola I fulfilling a promise made by his father, King Rajaraja Chola. They talk about the donation of the village of Anaimangalam to a Buddhist monastery. These copper plates also depict the achievements of the Chola dynasty,” PM Modi said in his radio show.

Earlier in May, India secured the repatriation of historic 11th century ‘Chola Plates’ from the Netherlands. (ANI)

Also read: New recruits across India celebrate as PM Narendra Modi distributes appointment letters