PM Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat highlights Manipur astrophysicist Dr Ronaldo Laishram, Tripura's Chongpreng revival and pays tribute to Kargil heroes on Vijay Diwas.
Imphal, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted achievements from the Northeast during the latest edition of his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme, praising a Manipuri astrophysicist for taking the name of Loktak Lake into deep space and lauding efforts to revive a traditional musical instrument from Tripura. He also paid tribute to the soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The Prime Minister used the programme to showcase stories of scientific excellence, cultural preservation and national service, urging young people to remain connected to their roots while pursuing global achievements.
Speaking about scientific innovation, Modi highlighted the work of Dr Ronaldo Laishram, an astrophysicist from Manipur who is currently based in Japan and has been part of an international research team studying the early universe.
The Prime Minister said Dr Laishram had contributed to the discovery of a massive cluster of young galaxies and chose to name it the "Loktak Proto-cluster", after Manipur's iconic Loktak Lake.
Describing the achievement as a matter of national pride, Modi said the naming reflected Dr Laishram's deep connection to his homeland despite working overseas.
He explained that Loktak Lake, known for its unique floating biomass locally called phumdis, presents an appearance of floating islands spread across a vast expanse of water. According to the Prime Minister, the distribution of young galaxies within the proto-cluster resembles this distinctive landscape, inspiring the name.
"Today, Manipur's Loktak is shining not only on the country's map but also across the vast cosmos," he said.
The Prime Minister said the achievement demonstrated that young Indians can reach global heights while remaining connected to their culture and traditions.
Dr Laishram is associated with astronomical research in Japan and has worked on studies exploring galaxy formation in the early universe. Proto-clusters are among the earliest large-scale structures formed after the Big Bang and help scientists understand how present-day galaxy clusters evolved over billions of years.
Turning to India's cultural heritage, Modi spoke about the Chongpreng, a traditional three-stringed bamboo musical instrument of Tripura that has long been associated with the state's indigenous communities.
He noted that the instrument's popularity had gradually declined among younger generations before musician Suraj Kumar Debbarma took up the task of reviving it.
According to the Prime Minister, Debbarma now performs using the Chongpreng alongside other traditional instruments and has helped introduce it to wider audiences through performances featuring Kokborok folk songs, Baul music and Bengali folk traditions.
During the programme, Modi played a short musical clip performed using the instrument and described Debbarma's efforts as commendable.
He also appealed to citizens across the country to share information about traditional musical instruments from their respective regions on social media, saying such initiatives would help preserve India's diverse musical heritage and connect younger generations with indigenous art forms.
The Chongpreng is regarded as one of Tripura's important traditional string instruments and is commonly used during folk performances and cultural festivals. Its soft, melodic sound is often compared with the Sarod.
Marking Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on July 26, the Prime Minister paid homage to the soldiers who fought during the 1999 Kargil War.
He said July 26 remains a date etched in the nation's collective memory and symbolises the courage, sacrifice and determination of the Indian Armed Forces.
Recalling the difficult conditions under which the conflict was fought, Modi said Indian soldiers overcame the harsh terrain, extreme weather and enemy positions to defend the country's sovereignty.
He bowed to the martyrs and all personnel who participated in the conflict, saying their sacrifices continue to inspire every Indian.
The Kargil War was fought between May and July 1999 after Pakistani soldiers and infiltrators occupied strategic heights along the Line of Control in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. India launched Operation Vijay to recapture the occupied positions, and the conflict ended with the successful restoration of Indian control over the area. More than 500 Indian soldiers laid down their lives during the operation.
The Prime Minister also referred to the ongoing Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a commemorative motorcycle rally organised to honour the heroes of Kargil.
He said the rally began from the National War Memorial in New Delhi on July 14 and is travelling across several states before concluding at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.
According to Modi, the initiative is aimed at taking the stories of the nation's brave soldiers to younger generations and strengthening awareness about the sacrifices made by the armed forces in safeguarding the country's sovereignty.
He said today's India not only remembers its heroes but is committed to ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
