This policy outlines the Prime Minister's address to the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, held in India. The address highlights India's historical contributions to astronomy and astrophysics, citing Aryabhatta's invention of zero and early understanding of Earth's rotation. It showcases current Indian capabilities, including the high-altitude astronomical observatory in Ladakh, the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune, and contributions to global projects like the Square Kilometre Array and LIGO-India.
The speech emphasizes India's recent achievements, specifically the Chandrayaan-3 mission's successful landing near the Moon's South Pole, the Aditya-L1 solar observatory's monitoring of solar activity, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mission to the International Space Station.
A key policy point is India's commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering young minds through initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs (reaching over 10 million students) and the One Nation One Subscription scheme (providing free access to international journals). The policy also highlights India's leading role in women's participation in STEM fields and significant investment in the research ecosystem.
The Prime Minister extends an invitation to international students and researchers to study and collaborate in India, emphasizing the potential for future scientific breakthroughs through these partnerships. The address encourages participants to consider how space science can improve life on Earth, including applications in weather forecasting, natural disaster prediction, and communication infrastructure.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for organizing the Olympiad, which is noted to be the largest edition to date. The policy promotes international collaboration and encourages participants to pursue ambitious goals in the field.
Key Entities Referenced
International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics: The 18th edition of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), an international science competition for high school students.
India: The host country for the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Aryabhatta: An Indian mathematician and astronomer from the 5th century, known for his contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
Ladakh: A region in India, home to one of the world's highest Astronomical Observatories.
Pune: A city in Maharashtra, India, location of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope.
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope: A radio telescope located in Pune, India, used to study pulsars, quasars and galaxies.
Chandrayaan3: India's lunar exploration mission that successfully landed near the Moon's South Pole.
AdityaL1: India's solar observatory, designed to study the Sun.
Prime Minister's Office
Text of PM’s Video Message for the 18th
International Olympiad on Astronomy and
Astrophysics
Posted On: 12 AUG 2025 6:42PM by PIB Delhi
Honourable Guests, Distinguished Delegates, Teachers, Mentors, And my dear Bright Young Friends,
Namaskaar!
It is a joy to connect with more than 300 shining stars from 64 countries. I warmly welcome you to India, for
the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. In India: Tradition meets innovation,
Spirituality meets science, and curiosity meets creativity. For centuries, Indians have been observing the skies
and asking big questions. For example, in the 5th Century, Aryabhatta invented zero. He was also the first to
say that the Earth rotates on its axis. Literally, he started from zero and made history!
Today, we host one of the world’s highest Astronomical Observatories in Ladakh. At 4,500 metres above sea
level, it is close enough to shake hands with the stars! Our Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune is one
of the world's most sensitive radio telescopes. It is helping us decode the mysteries of pulsars, quasars and
galaxies!
India proudly contributes to global mega-science projects like the Square Kilometre Array, and LIGO-India.
Two years ago, our Chandrayaan-3 made history. We were the first to successfully land near the Moon’s
South Pole. We have also set our sights on the Sun with the Aditya-L1 solar observatory. It keeps an eye on
solar flares, storms, and– the Sun’s mood swings! Last month, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed
his historic mission to the International Space Station. It was a proud moment for all Indians, and an
inspiration for young explorers like all of you.
Friends,
India is deeply committed to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering young minds. Over 10 million
students are understanding STEM concepts through hands-on experimentation in Atal Tinkering Labs. This is
creating a culture of learning and innovation. To make access to knowledge more democratic, we have
launched the One Nation One Subscription scheme. It provides access to reputed international journals, free of
cost, to millions of students and researchers. You would be happy to know that India is a leading country in
the participation of women in STEM domains. Under various initiatives, billions of dollars are being invested
in the research ecosystem. We invite young minds like you from across the world to study, research and
collaborate in India. Who knows the next big scientific breakthrough may well be born from such
partnerships!.
Friends,
In all your efforts, I encourage you to think about how we can work for the benefit of humanity. As we
explore the universe, we must also ask how can space science further improve lives of people on Earth? How
can farmers be provided even better weather forecasts? Can we predict natural disasters, can we monitor
forest fires and melting glaciers? Can we build better communication for remote areas? The future of science
is in your hands. It is in solving real world problems with imagination and compassion. I urge you to ask
“what is out there?” and also see how it can help us here.
Friends,
India believes in the power of international collaboration. This Olympiad reflects that spirit. I have been told
that this edition of the Olympiad is the largest so far. I thank the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Educationand Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for making this event possible. Aim high, Dream Big. And
remember, in India, we believe that the sky is not the limit, it's just the beginning!
Thank You.
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MJPS/ST/AK
(Release ID: 2155720)