PM Modi lauds Gen-Z drone champions, celebrates India’s big November milestones
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the determination and innovation of India’s youth, particularly Generation Z, during the 128th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Referring to a video from a unique ISRO drone competition, Modi noted how young participants attempted to fly drones under Mars-like conditions. “The drones would take off, stay stable for a while, then suddenly crash to the ground. This was because these drones had absolutely no GPS support. GPS is not possible on Mars, so the drone cannot receive any external signal or guidance. The drone had to fly using its camera and in-built software,” he explained.
Modi lauded a team from Pune that won the competition, despite their drone repeatedly crashing. “Their drone also fell many times, crashed, but they did not give up. After a lot of effort, their drone finally managed to fly for some time in Mars-like conditions,” he said, drawing a parallel with the perseverance of Chandrayaan-3 scientists during a critical phase of the mission.
“The determination of our youth is the greatest strength of Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister added, emphasising that resilience and innovation among young Indians reflect the nation’s progress.
Beyond praising the youth, Modi highlighted several major achievements in November that he said inspire the nation. These included: 150th anniversary celebrations of 'Vande Mataram', launched with a special programme at the Parliament’s Central Hall on November 26.
The hoisting of the ‘Dharma Dhwaja’ at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the Panchajanya memorial in Kurukshetra’s Jyotisar on November 25.
The world’s largest Leap Engine MRO facility in Hyderabad marks a major step in India’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector of aircraft.
The induction of INS Mahe into the Indian Navy and the inauguration of Skyroot’s Infinity Campus, which showcase India’s innovation and youth-driven progress.
A record food grain production of 357 million tonnes, an increase of 100 million tonnes compared to a decade ago, reflecting a major milestone in the agriculture sector.
In sports, Modi noted that India’s flag is flying high, including the announcement that India will host the Commonwealth Games.
“These achievements belong to the nation, to the countrymen. Mann Ki Baat is a wonderful platform to celebrate such accomplishments of the countrymen to bring forward collective efforts of the people,” he said.
"If there is determination in the heart, faith in the collective strength to work as a team, if there is the courage to fall and then rise again, then success is guaranteed even in the difficult times," he added.