Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and empowering the next generation of innovators. Speaking to participants from across the globe, the Prime Minister emphasised that science should ultimately serve humanity and encouraged young minds to channel their knowledge toward solving global challenges.
Highlighting India’s recent initiatives to promote research and innovation, PM Modi spoke about the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme, which grants students and researchers free access to a vast range of reputed international journals. This, he noted, eliminates financial barriers to knowledge and allows aspiring scientists to explore the latest global advancements without constraints.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of platforms like the Olympiad, where young talent from around the world can exchange ideas, test their skills, and build cross-border collaborations. “The true spirit of science lies in curiosity, discovery, and the desire to make a difference,” he said, calling on participants to use their learning to address the pressing needs of society.
He also lauded India’s growing role in space research, astronomy, and astrophysics, citing achievements such as the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the country’s expanding research infrastructure. PM Modi assured continued government support for educational and research initiatives that strengthen the country’s scientific ecosystem.
The event brought together some of the brightest young minds in astronomy and astrophysics, reinforcing India’s vision of becoming a global hub for scientific excellence while contributing to the progress of humanity.