New Delhi: In a significant step, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited ISRO's Bengaluru command center on Saturday (26 August) immediately after his foreign trip. He congratulated ISRO scientists on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and discussed the importance of advancing science and technology.
During his address, PM Modi underscored that in the 21st century, a nation's progress depends on its prowess in science and technology. He lauded India's historical achievements in astronomical observations and its exploration of space thousands of years ago. He urged students to revisit ancient scriptures containing astronomical theories and prove their scientific validity, citing the wisdom of great Indian sages like Aryabhatt, Brahmagupta, Varāhamihira, and Bhaskaracharya. PM Modi highlighted how ancient Indian scholars documented astronomical facts long before their discovery by Western scientists. He cited Aryabhatt's assertion of Earth's spherical shape and rotation on an axis, clarifying disputes that once existed about the planet's form.
Quoting a Sanskrit verse from Surya Siddhanta, PM Modi emphasized the Earth's spherical nature and its position in space, shattering notions of up and down. He remarked that countless such verses exist in ancient Indian scriptures, offering insights into Earth and celestial bodies. Addressing the scientific depth of Indian heritage, PM Modi mentioned scriptures' detailed knowledge of solar and lunar eclipses, as well as the nation's mastery of calculating planetary distances and shapes. Notably, Surya Siddhanta, a significant astronomical text, provided principles for calculating celestial motions and constructing panchangs, the foundation of calendars.
PM Modi urged the young generation to embrace the task of scientifically validating ancient scriptures, reflecting on India's rich legacy. He highlighted the importance of this endeavor for heritage preservation and scientific progress. He assigned this mission to students, aiming to rekindle ancient wisdom buried due to historical circumstances. Underscoring the need to break free from past limitations, PM Modi asserted that this is the era to explore and share India's scientific knowledge with the world, resonating with the spirit of "Azadi ka Amrit Kaal."
Additionally, PM Modi called upon ISRO to organize national hackathons on "Space Technology in Governance," involving central and state government departments. He expressed confidence that these hackathons would enhance governance efficiency and offer modern solutions. As part of his call for active participation in space exploration, PM Modi encouraged students nationwide to engage in a Chandrayaan mission quiz competition organized by MyGov starting from September 1st.
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