From commending the extensive participation of youth in the ongoing Maha Kumbh to the role of Election Commission in modernising and strengthening the voting process, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched upon a slew of topics in his first Mann Ki Baat address of 2025. He also pointed out to the recent achievements made by Indian scientists in the space sector including satellite docking capabilities.

“When the first elections were held in the country in 1951-52, some people were doubtful whether the country’s democracy would survive. But our democracy proved all the apprehensions wrong – after all, India is the Mother of Democracy. In the past decades as well, the country’s democracy has strengthened and prospered. I would like to thank the Election Commission, which has modernised and strengthened our voting process from time to time. The Commission has used the power of technology to give more power to the power of the people,” he said.

His remarks come ahead of the Election Commission of India’s foundation day which is celebrated on January 25.

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“I congratulate the Election Commission for its commitment to fair elections. I would like to urge the countrymen to use their right to vote, always, in maximum numbers and also become a part of the country’s democratic process and strengthen this process,” he added.

Pointing out that this year’s Republic Day is very special as it is the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic, Modi said, “I salute all those great personalities of the Constituent Assembly, who gave us our sacred Constitution. During the Constituent Assembly, long deliberations were held on many subjects. Those discussions, the thoughts of the members of the Constituent Assembly, their words, are our great heritage.”

The prime minister’s monthly radio broadcast also played short audio clips of three members of constituent assembly — Chairman Rajendra Prasad, B R Ambedkar and Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

Talking about the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, he said, “This festival of Kumbh celebrates the festival of unity in diversity. There is no discrimination, no casteism anywhere in this tradition which has been going on for thousands of years. The global popularity of the Kumbh is a matter of pride for every India. This time you must have seen that the participation of youth in the Kumbh is very extensive, and it is also true that when the young generation connects with its civilisation with pride, its roots become stronger, and then its golden future is also ensured,” he added.

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Stating that India has attained many “historic achievements” in the field of Space, he pointed out that Bengaluru based start-up Pixxel has successfully launched India’s first private satellite constellation – ‘Firefly’. “This achievement has not only made India a leader in modern space technology, but is also a big step towards a Self-reliant India. This success is a symbol of the growing strength and innovation of our private space sector,” he added. He also pointed out that India’s scientists have undertaken space docking of satellites and are also making efforts to grow plants in Space and make them survive.

“IIT Madras’s ExTeM Centre is working on new technologies for manufacturing in space. This Centre is conducting research on technologies like 3D-printed buildings, metal foams and optical fibres in space. This Centre is also developing revolutionary methods like concrete construction without water. This research of ExTeM will strengthen India’s Gaganyaan mission and the future space Station,” Modi said.