Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday, 31 May 2026, shared remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat, highlighting the Prime Minister's appeal to young Indians to pursue astronomy and join science clubs across the country.

Context

In the 134th Mann Ki Baat episode, PM Modi spoke at length about India's centuries-old fascination with astronomy, tracing its roots from ancient observatories and mathematical discoveries to the role the skies have played in shaping navigation, calendars, and festivals. He described the spread of astronomy clubs — from cities to small towns, from schools to public parks — as 'encouraging,' saying they nurture 'scientific temper and a spirit of discovery among our youth.'

The Prime Minister specifically called out two grassroots organisations by name. He noted that the Bangalore Astronomical Society has launched a mission to take astronomy into rural areas, while Astro Kerala runs observation camps and workshops where young people build their own telescopes and learn to use star maps. 'Gazing at the stars at night is in itself a wonderful experience,' he said, urging students to visit planetariums during their holidays.

Policy Backdrop

Mann Ki Baat was launched on 3 October 2014 as a monthly All India Radio programme through which the Prime Minister communicates directly with citizens on governance, culture, and social themes. The programme has consistently been used to spotlight grassroots movements and civil-society initiatives that align with national policy goals.

The emphasis on 'scientific temper' carries constitutional weight: Article 51A(h), inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, lists the development of scientific temper as a fundamental duty of every Indian citizen. Successive governments have backed public planetariums — including the Birla Planetarium network — and science centres since the 1950s as instruments of informal science education.

The current push through community astronomy clubs continues a long-standing policy of using informal education channels to foster scientific curiosity outside formal school curricula, combining heritage appreciation with hands-on activities.

Stakeholders and Impact

The primary beneficiaries of the Prime Minister's appeal are school students and rural youth, who are being encouraged to look beyond textbooks toward participatory science. Organisations such as the Bangalore Astronomical Society and Astro Kerala are likely to see renewed public interest and membership inquiries following the national-level mention on Mann Ki Baat.

For G. Kishan Reddy, amplifying the Prime Minister's message serves a dual purpose: reinforcing the BJP's science-and-heritage communication strategy and extending its reach within Telangana, where he serves as the party's state president. The post underscores the party's effort to position itself as a champion of both India's scientific legacy and its modern STEM aspirations.

What's Next

Subsequent Mann Ki Baat episodes or circulars from the Ministry of Education may announce expanded support for school astronomy clubs and regional planetarium outreach programmes. The spotlight on community-level organisations could also prompt state governments to channel funds toward rural science infrastructure. For now, the Prime Minister's call stands as an invitation to millions of young Indians to look up — and to engage with the universe beyond their classrooms.