Human Interest

Sudarsan Pattnaik Pays Artistic Tribute to PM Modi on His 75th Birthday at Puri Beach


Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday with a magnificent sand sculpture at Puri Beach, Odisha, complemented by an installation of 750 lotus flowers.

Titled “Bharat Ki Udaan, Modi Ke Saath”, the artwork symbolizes India’s aspirations for unity, growth, and global leadership under PM Modi’s guidance. The installation celebrates the country’s progress over the past decade, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, digital innovation, healthcare, renewable energy, defence, and space.

From landmark projects like Chandrayaan-3 and Digital India, to flagship welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, and Jan Dhan, along with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, the sand sculpture reflects India’s rising confidence and determination.

Crafted using approximately 6 tons of sand, the 5-foot-high sculpture of PM Modi is accompanied by 750 intricately arranged lotus flowers, each representing a year of service, leadership, and dedication. Students from Pattnaik’s Sand Art Institute participated in completing the installation, demonstrating teamwork, seva, and creativity.

Commenting on the tribute, Pattnaik said:

“I wish Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji a very happy 75th birthday and pray for his continued service to the nation.”

A globally acclaimed artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand art championships and festivals, winning numerous awards and bringing global recognition to Indian sand art. Beyond celebratory installations, Pattnaik’s works have addressed important issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate change, COVID-19, plastic pollution, and peacebuilding, showcasing the power of art as a medium for awareness and change.

This installation at Puri Beach is not only a tribute to a leader but also a testament to India’s artistic excellence and the enduring impact of cultural expression in celebrating national achievements.

Automobiles

India Accelerates Towards Green Mobility: PM Modi Flags Off Suzuki’s First Made-in-India EV for Global Markets


India took a bold stride towards becoming a global hub for green mobility as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two landmark initiatives at the Suzuki Motor Plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat. The event marked a transformative moment in India’s green energy journey, reinforcing the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

At the center of this historic day was the launch of Suzuki’s first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)—the e-VITARA—which will now be manufactured in India and exported to over 100 countries, including advanced markets like Europe and Japan. This development officially positions India as Suzuki’s global production hub for electric vehicles.

In a parallel breakthrough, PM Modi also launched domestic production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This step signifies a crucial shift in India’s EV supply chain dynamics, ensuring that over 80% of the battery value is now manufactured within the country.

PM Modi highlighted that what began over a decade ago, when land was first allotted to Maruti Suzuki in Gujarat, has now matured into a global export powerhouse. He emphasized that the new EV initiatives reflect both India’s engineering capacity and its growing importance in global value chains. He praised the late Osamu Suzuki’s vision and the expansion of India-Japan cooperation in manufacturing and innovation.

Acknowledging the broader significance of the developments, the Prime Minister noted that India is now exporting cars—and electric vehicles—back to Japan, a testament to India’s rising capabilities and global trust in its manufacturing standards. He stressed that companies like Suzuki are not just foreign investors, but brand ambassadors of India’s industrial transformation.

Further emphasizing clean mobility, PM Modi announced plans for hybrid ambulances, developed within just six months by Maruti Suzuki, as part of the ₹11,000 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme. These vehicles are set to modernize emergency services while aligning with India’s clean energy goals.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s dedication to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem. Until recently, India imported nearly all its EV batteries, but now, with the local production of hybrid battery components, the nation is moving quickly toward self-reliance. PM Modi noted that initiatives like the National Critical Mineral Mission, which will launch over 1,200 exploration campaigns, aim to secure rare earth minerals essential for EVs and semiconductors.

PM Modi credited sustained reforms over the past decade for the dramatic growth in manufacturing—electronics production has grown by 500%, mobile phone output by 2,700%, and defence production by over 200%. He emphasized that the focus on plug-and-play infrastructure, logistics parks, and PLI schemes have transformed India into a competitive industrial destination.

Highlighting the depth of India-Japan ties, PM Modi shared how Japan played a key role in the early editions of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, and how personal efforts were made to ensure comfort and cultural integration for Japanese investors—from golf courses to cuisine. He announced that he would be visiting Japan next week, further reinforcing the strength of the bilateral relationship.

The Prime Minister concluded by calling on Indian states to compete in attracting global investors through reform-driven, pro-development policies. He expressed confidence that the initiatives launched today will lay the foundation for a developed India by 2047, with Japan continuing to be one of the country’s most trusted partners on that journey.

Also present at the ceremony were Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Japan’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr. Ono Keiichi, and senior executives from Suzuki Motor Corporation.

National

Back From Space: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Meets PM Modi, Discusses India’s Space Future


August 19, 2025 – New Delhi: After a successful 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 crew, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to India and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their conversation marked a significant moment for India’s aspirations in space exploration, centered around the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and India’s proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.

Shukla expressed confidence that India could lead a collaborative space station in the future, much like the International Space Station led by the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. He noted the global excitement around India’s Gaganyaan mission and shared that his crewmates had requested to attend its launch.

“We have the ability and the position to be in a leadership role in a space station led by India,” Shukla said.

During the meeting, PM Modi recalled assigning “homework” to Shukla — to learn and document everything that could help future astronauts. Shukla shared how even astronauts on the ISS teased him about getting such a special task from his country’s leader. The documentation is expected to be valuable for ISRO’s astronaut training pipeline.

In a symbolic moment, Shukla gifted PM Modi the Tricolour he carried into space and the official Axiom-4 mission patch. The patch features Earth at the center of a pentagon, the four astronauts’ names and national flags, and seven stars representing the continents.

Shukla detailed his experiment in growing crops aboard the ISS in a water-based dish. Sprouting in just eight days, the experiment offered hope not just for long-duration space missions but for food security challenges on Earth.

“Food is a big challenge in space. But this research may help solve problems here on Earth too,” Shukla said.

Describing his physical transformation in space, Shukla said that adaptation is required both while reaching and returning from orbit.

“I was feeling okay but I could not walk… the brain has to rewire,” he explained.

Shukla reflected on how Indian children today see space as a real career option — unlike his own childhood, when India lacked a consistent astronaut programme.

“Children no longer just dream — they know becoming an astronaut is possible,” he shared.

Looking ahead, PM Modi emphasized the need for a strong astronaut pool of 40–50 individuals to support India’s ambitions. Shukla’s insights, training, and documentation are set to play a crucial role in the Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for launch in the coming years.

Shukla, who had been recovering in Houston after landing back on Earth in July, arrived in India to a warm reception at Delhi Airport by Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

His journey marks not just the return of a national hero, but the takeoff of India’s next giant leap in space.

EduConnect

PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Celebrates International Yoga Day 2025 with Unity and Enthusiasm


Morpirla, Goa | June 21, 2025 – The campus of PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla echoed with positivity and purpose as students, teachers, and parents came together to celebrate International Yoga Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and heartfelt participation.

The celebration commenced with a soulful prayer, setting a serene tone for the day. Attendees then gathered to watch the special address delivered by the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose message emphasized the importance of yoga in today’s fast-paced world and its role in personal and planetary well-being.

Taking the stage, Headmistress Maria Murena Miranda offered a compelling speech that resonated deeply with the audience. She shed light on this year’s official theme, “Yoga for One Health, One Earth”, emphasizing how yoga acts as a bridge between individual well-being and environmental harmony.

“Yoga is not merely an exercise. It is a way of life that aligns the body, mind, and nature,” she said. “By fostering physical and mental wellness, yoga also contributes to a unified global movement towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.”

Headmistress Miranda encouraged all present—especially the youth—to embrace yoga not just as a daily practice, but as a philosophy of conscious living. She urged everyone to take responsibility for both their inner peace and the health of the planet, emphasizing that strengthening the mind-body connection is key to building a more resilient and compassionate society.

The event also included a group yoga session where students and teachers practiced asanas and breathing exercises together, guided by trained instructors. Parents joined in, creating a powerful moment of intergenerational unity and shared learning.

As the day concluded, the sense of calm, joy, and collective purpose was palpable—a reminder that even small communities can be part of a global movement for wellness and sustainability.

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Indore Joins Metro Map as PM Modi Inaugurates Madhya Pradesh’s First Metro Service


In a major boost to urban mobility in Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first phase of the Indore Metro today, marking the launch of the state’s very first metro rail service. With this development, Indore becomes the 18th city in India to operate a metro network, reflecting the country’s expanding commitment to modern and sustainable public transportation.

The inaugural phase of the Indore Metro will offer a modern transit solution aimed at reducing congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing daily commutes for thousands of residents. Equipped with state-of-the-art coaches and stations, the metro is expected to transform urban travel in the city, offering a faster, cleaner, and more efficient mode of transportation.

The project is a part of the larger Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail initiative, which also includes metro development in the capital city of Bhopal. Indore Metro’s phase 1 covers key locations across the city and is designed to integrate seamlessly with other modes of public transport.

With this launch, India continues its rapid urban infrastructure development, now boasting operational metro services in 18 cities across the country. The Indore Metro is expected to set new benchmarks in smart city transit and contribute significantly to the region’s economic and environmental goals.