India is becoming more independent, from oceans to air, according to PM Modi.

On a pleasant Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the airwaves to address the nation through his monthly radio broadcast, 'Mann Ki Baat'. During this broadcast, he highlighted some significant achievements that India has recently accomplished in its journey towards self-reliance. He proudly mentioned the successful maiden flight of the C-295 aircraft, which is entirely made in India, and the triumphant test of the Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile, which is also indigenous.

Modi was elated to announce that in the month of June, India marked a major milestone in the aviation sector. He emphasized that this achievement was a result of the hard work and determination of the Indian people. He mentioned that the C-295 aircraft is being built in India, and 40 such planes are currently under production.

This not only strengthens the aerospace sector but also creates job opportunities and provides a boost to the MSMEs. The first made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight on June 10. The Indian Air Force is procuring a total of 56 of these aircraft, which will be assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in collaboration with Airbus in Vadodara.

This is a significant step towards making India self-reliant in the aviation industry. Modi also highlighted other achievements in the defense sector, such as the induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Shanshak, and INS Agrya into the Indian Navy's fleet. These ships were designed and manufactured in India, showcasing the country's capability to produce advanced technology independently.

He further added that the Defense Research and Development Organisation had successfully tested an indigenous Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile, making India more secure and self-reliant in both the seas and the skies. During his broadcast, Modi expressed his gratitude towards the citizens of India for supporting his appeal to avoid buying gold, traveling abroad, and using carpooling in light of the current situation in West Asia. He also thanked the citizens for adopting chemical-free farming and utilizing natural fertilizers, as he had requested earlier.

The prime minister also mentioned some initiatives taken by the government to integrate modern technology with India's traditional knowledge. He informed that the Central Sanskrit University in Delhi will soon launch a B.Tech program in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, which is a crucial step towards this integration. Modi also took pride in the fact that Indian culture is spreading its wings in various parts of the world.

He shared an inspiring story about a team in the Dominican Republic, where the Indian population is only around 100. The team, named 'Brahmakamal Dominicana', studies Vedic literature and chants Vedic mantras, all without any formal training. Speaking about the superstitious beliefs surrounding the Hargila bird in Assam, Modi praised the efforts of biologist Purnima Devi Barman, who worked towards changing these beliefs and promoting the conservation of this bird.

He mentioned that the bird, once considered inauspicious and even leading to the cutting down of trees, is now becoming a symbol of the villages in Assam. The prime minister also talked about the growing interest in sports as a career among the youth and shared the launch of the 'Nagaland Baby League' in football, where children aged 5 to 12 can participate and showcase their talent. This initiative not only promotes sports but also helps establish the children's identity.

Modi also mentioned the efforts of the people of Meghalaya in preserving their natural heritage, especially the root bridges. He informed that India has requested the inclusion of these bridges in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Network. He appreciated the local residents for maintaining over 120 root bridges and even setting up nurseries to strengthen the surrounding areas, showcasing an entire ecosystem built around their conservation.

The prime minister also shared the inspiring story of women in Biaora, Madhya Pradesh, who took the initiative to clean up their town by collecting plastic waste and converting it into eco-bricks. These eco-bricks are now being used to beautify public spaces, and hundreds of kilograms of plastic have been recycled, thanks to the efforts of these women. Modi concluded his broadcast by urging the people to prioritize clay idols made by local potters and artisans for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

He reminded the listeners that the idol-making process starts well in advance, and it is essential to support our own potters and craftsmen by choosing clay idols over those made from other materials. He also requested the idol makers to prioritize clay idols and the buyers to check the origin and material of the idols they purchase. In the end, Modi expressed his gratitude towards the citizens for their continuous support and cooperation in making India self-reliant and contributing towards its progress and development.

The broadcast was a reminder of the country's accomplishments and the potential to achieve even more in the future.