The President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, today conferred on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana award, the country’s highest honour bestowed on foreign leaders. This is the first time that an Indian leader is receiving this award. The award was conferred on Prime Minister for his enduring contribution to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship.
2.Accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the special friendship between India and Sri Lanka and the age-old links between the people of the two countries.
Prime Minister had a productive meeting today with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Ahead of the talks, Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square. Prime Minister is the first foreign leader to pay a State visit to Sri Lanka since President Disanayaka took office in September 2024.
2. The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation level format on further deepening the special and close bilateral ties that are rooted in shared history and driven by strong people-to-people linkages. They reviewed cooperation in the fields of connectivity, development cooperation, economic ties, defence relations, reconciliation and fishermen issues. Prime Minister reiterated Sri Lanka’s importance in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. He conveyed India’s continued commitment to assist in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and stabilization.
3. Following the talks, the two leaders virtually inaugurated several projects. These include 5000 solar rooftop units installed at religious places across Sri Lanka and a temperature-controlled warehousing facility at Dambulla. They also virtually participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for the launch of the 120 MW Sampur Solar power project.
4. The two leaders witnessed the exchange of seven MoUs in the fields of energy, digitization, defence, health and multi-sectoral assistance in the Eastern Province. Prime Minister announced support for the development of the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, the Sacred City project in Anuradhapura and the Sita Eliya temple complex in Nuwara Eliya. In the areas of capacity building and economic support, a comprehensive package for training an additional 700 Sri Lankan citizens annually, and the conclusion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring were also announced. In keeping with the shared Buddhist heritage of the two countries, Prime Minister announced that Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from Gujarat would be traveling to Sri Lanka for the International Vesak Day celebrations. List of MOUs and announcements may be seen here.
Delhi becomes 35th State/UT to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Historic day for Delhi as the National Health Authority, MoHFW enters into an MoU with the Government of NCT, Delhi
AB PM-JAY is not an insurance scheme, it is an ‘assurance’ scheme as it is built on trust: Shri JP Nadda
“AB PM-JAY is the first scheme to bring 50 Crore people under its ambit on the basis of economic caste census”
“36 lakh frontline health workers, including ASHAs and Angadwadi workers were brought under this scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojna to cover both health and life insurance”
“With around 30 lakh people belonging to 6.54 lakh families and an estimated 6 lakh senior citizens, about 36 lakh people in Delhi will be benefitted by the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme”
“Out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% in 2014 to 38% today owing to AB PM-JAY”
Delhi government would be giving an additional top-up of 5 lakh over and above the 5-lakh cover provided by Central Government. Around 6.54 lakh families in Delhi will be benefitted under the scheme: Smt. Rekha Gupta
“Card distribution for the scheme will be initiated from 10th April 2025 onwards”
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi
In a historic event, Delhi became the 35th State/UT to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) after the National Health Authority (NHA) of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of NCT, Delhi.
The agreement was signed between Smt. L.S Changsan, Addl Secretary, MoHFW & Chief Executive Officer, National Health Authority (NHA), and Dr S.B. Deepak Kumar, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of NCT Delhi, here today.
The signing ceremony was presided by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers in presence of Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister, Government of NCT Delhi; Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers; and Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister, Health and Family Welfare & Transport and Information Technology, Delhi. Smt. Bansuri Swaraj, Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Shri Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Shri Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Shri Yogendra Chandolia – Members of Parliament (MPs) from NCT Delhi; Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary and Shri Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, NCT Delhi were also present during the event.
Addressing the gathering, Shri J P Nadda stated, “It is a moment of pride that the world’s largest health coverage scheme which has been in place across 34 states and UTs in the country is finally getting implemented in the national capital as well.” He stated that this scheme is built on trust, hence it is termed as an ‘assurance’ scheme, not an insurance scheme.
Shri Nadda noted that on the basis of economic caste census, 50 crore people were brought under this scheme, making it the first such scheme to do so. He also informed that 36 lakh frontline health workers, including ASHAs and Angadwadi workers were brought under this scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojna to cover both health and life insurance. This, he stated, was done to bring these frontline workers under the ambit of comprehensive social security coverage.
The Union Health Minister stated that with the implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be covered under Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana which provides Rs 5 lakh free health cover to all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status. This will provide health cover to all eligible senior citizens where all pre-existing diseases will be covered from day one. “It is estimated that more than 6 lakh senior citizens in Delhi belonging to ~4.5 lakh families will be benefited”, he stated. “With around 30 lakh people belonging to over 6.5 lakh families and an estimated 6 lakh senior citizens, about 36 lakh people in Delhi will be benefitted by the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme”, he further stated.
Shri Nadda highlighted that through the AB PM-JAY scheme, 55+ crore beneficiaries were targeted comprising 12 crore families which covered 40% of the vulnerable population of India. He said that implementation of AB PM-JAY will help create a healthy, empowered and prosperous Delhi. He also highlighted that out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% in 2014 to 38% today owing to this scheme.
Citing a recent LANCET study, Shri Nadda underlined that timely cancer treatment initiation has improved significantly because of the Ayushman Bharat Jan Aarogya Yojna. “Patients enrolled under AB-PMJAY saw 90% rise in access to cancer treatment within 30 days”, he stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Rekha Gupta said, “Citizens in Delhi will now be able to reap benefits from AB PM-JAY which provides free health cover of Rs. 5 Lakh to each beneficiary family per year. In addition, Delhi government would be giving an additional top-up of 5 lakhs over and above the cover provided by Central Government. Around 6.54 lakh families in Delhi will be benefitted under the scheme.”
She also highlighted that beneficiaries will now gain access to 1,961 health benefit packages from 27 medical specialties, featuring updated procedures and better rates for hospitals. She also informed that card distribution for the scheme will be initiated from 10th April 2025 onwards.
Smt. Anupriya Patel said, “today is a historic day for the people of Delhi as this MoU reflects a common commitment of the Union and Delhi government to provide quality and affordable healthcare to residents of Delhi.”
Highlighting that AB PM-JAY is the largest health assurance scheme in the world, she stated that Rs. 1.75 crore out-of-pocket expenditure have been saved so far because of the scheme. She also noted that around 6.54 lakh families in Delhi will be benefited with timely and quality healthcare, including all senior citizens, aged 70 years and above.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched on 23rd September 2018, has been a game-changer in healthcare, mainly for the millions of poor and vulnerable families across the country. In just five years, it enabled them with timely access and quality healthcare without burdening them with catastrophic health expenditure during medical emergencies.
Raksha Mantri reviews maritime security situation & Indian Navy’s operational readiness during the Phase-1 of the first Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2025 in Karwar 21st century is Asia’s century; It is our responsibility to ensure peace & prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, says Shri Rajnath Singh
India stands for a free, open & rule-based order; Assess changing circumstances and ensure planning, resourcing & exercising accordingly: RM to Commanders
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 5:54PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the maritime security situation, operational readiness of the Indian Navy, and the future outlook during the inaugural phase of the first Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2025 in Karwar, Karnataka on April 05, 2025. Raksha Mantri interacted with the Naval Commanders, with deliberations focussing on addressing contemporary security paradigms, formulating the way ahead to further the combat capability of the Navy, and addressing strategic, operational & administrative aspects. He was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials.
Addressing the Commanders, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Navy’s contribution in strengthening India’s maritime security, surpassing the expectations of the people in every situation, and displaying continued commitment towards serving the nation with new energy & innovation.
Raksha Mantri asserted that it is a necessity to reorient the future roles of the Armed Forces amidst the present unpredictable geopolitical landscape. He referred to the acceptance of global experts that 21stcentury is Asia’s century and India will have a crucial role to play, stating “It is our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as the region has become a focal point for the world”.
Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated that India stands for a free, open and rule-based order in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), urging the Commanders to assess the changing circumstances and ensure planning, resourcing & exercising accordingly, while remaining alert and prepared. “Security is an ongoing adaptation process, wherein there is a need to keep assessing, planning, and coming out with new ideas. We need to analyse how India can make its role more effective,” he said.
Emphasising that national security is of paramount importance to the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri stated that it has always been ensured that the requirements of the Armed Forces are fulfilled. “The speed at which the work of naval modernisation is being carried out for the last 10-11 years is unprecedented. Induction of new platforms, state-of-the-art equipment has significantly enhanced our Naval prowess and the morale of our brave sailors. It is a testimony to the fact that we are always standing with you in your preparations,” he said.
On 2025 being declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to fulfil their commitment to reforms. “There are two types of reforms. One is policy reforms which are carried out at the level of the Ministries. Many officers look into policy-related issues, obtain feedback from everyone and formulate policies accordingly. The second type is ground-level reform. Whether it is related to training, R&D, financial or manpower reforms, your role is most important in all these. Till the time there is no convergence of top-down approach and bottom-top approach, we will not be able to achieve our reforms’ goal in the right manner,” he told the Commanders.
The conference is the apex-level, biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational, and administrative issues among the top Naval Commanders. It plays a pivotal role in emphasising India’s role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region, bolstering the Navy’s contribution to regional peace, security, and stability.
The second phase of the conference will be held in New Delhi from April 07 to 10, 2025, witnessing a comprehensive review of major operational, materiel, logistics, HR development, training, and administrative aspects. Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff & Chief of the Air Staff will also engage with Naval Commanders during the Conference to foster synergy amongst the three Services and further drive the convergence efforts.
The Commanders will also engage with Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and Shri Amitabh Kant on issues related to foreign policy and international engagement. The Indian Navy’s quest to strengthen modernisation, indigenisation, and self-reliance in line with Government’s vision ofAatmanirbhartais the key focus area of the event.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addresses the Bastar Pandum Program in Bastar, Chhattisgarh The Modi government is working to give international recognition to Bastar Pandum by bringing its traditions, culture, and art to the world
Bastar Pandum Program will be celebrated in 12 categories next year and tribals from all over the country will participate in it
Naxalites cannot stop the development of entire Bastar; Bastar has now become a symbol of the future, not fear
Where the sound of bullets used to echo, now school bells are ringing, where building roads was a dream, highways are being constructed
Everyone should strive with dedication and fearlessness to make the dreams of development a reality, because under Modi Ji’s governance, no one needs to be afraid
Bastar is developing because now instead of Naxalism, Bastar is moving ahead with the flame of development, trust and victory
The Chhattisgarh government will declare any village that successfully gets all Naxalites to surrender as Naxal-free and will provide a development fund of one crore rupees to that village
When someone from Sukma becomes a sub-inspector, a barrister from Bastar, a doctor from Dantewada and a collector from Kanker, then development will happen and we have to develop and build Bastar in this way
Modi government is committed to make the entire country free from Naxalism by March 2026
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the Bastar Pandum program in Dantewada Chhattisgarh today. Many dignitaries including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma were present on the occasion.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Maharaja Praveer Chandra Bhajdev gave his life for the water, forest, land, and culture of the tribal people. He noted that Maharaja Praveer Chandra’s popularity as a people’s king was unbearable for the then government, leading to his murder through a conspiracy. Shri Shah further emphasized that today, as Bastar stands on the brink of freedom from red terror and has embarked on the path of development, the soul of Praveer Chandra Ji, wherever it may be, is undoubtedly blessing the people of Bastar.
Shri Amit Shah stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, starting next year, artists from every tribal district of the country will be included in the Bastar Pandum. He mentioned that to give international recognition to Bastar Pandum, the Modi government is working to showcase the traditions, culture, and art of Bastar by taking ambassadors from all countries on a tour of Bastar, and spreading it worldwide. Shri Shah also mentioned that 47,000 artists from 188 Gram Panchayats, 12 Nagar Panchayats, 8 Nagar Parishads, one Municipality, and 32 Janpads have participated in this festival. The district administration and the culture department have allocated 5 crore rupees for Bastar Pandum. He emphasized that this Pandum will work to preserve and promote local and traditional art, culture, craftsmanship, festivals, food, languages, customs, attire, jewelry, traditional songs, music, and cuisines in their original form.
Union Home Minister said that we want the youth of Bastar to receive the most modern education, compete on every platform with the youth of the world, and attain global prosperity, but they should never forget their culture, language, and traditions. He further noted that the culture, dialects, musical instruments and food of Bastar are the jewels of the culture of not just Chhattisgarh but the entire India and we have to preserve it. Shri Shah mentioned that the Bastar Pandum festival, which is being celebrated in seven categories this year, will be celebrated in twelve categories next year, and tribal people from across the country will participate. Union Home Minister also said that India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity, the fusion of various cultures, arts, traditions, languages, dialects, and cuisines. He emphasized that we will stand strong in every competition with the world, but we will also preserve our culture and other heritage, and Bastar Pandum is the beginning of this effort.
Union Home Minister said that the time has passed when bullets were fired and bomb blasts occurred here. He appealed to all Naxalites, urging them to lay down their weapons and join the mainstream because Bastar wants development. He stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi wants to give everything to Bastar, but this is only possible when there is peace in Bastar. He emphasized that children should go to school, mothers’ health should be taken care of, tribals and youth should not suffer from malnutrition, arrangements should be made for children’s education, every village should have a dispensary, and there should be a hospital in every tehsil—only then can development happen. He further mentioned that this can only be achieved if the people of Bastar decide to make every village Naxal-free. Shri Shah also mentioned that the Chhattisgarh government has announced that any village that gets all Naxalites to surrender will be declared Naxal-free and will be given a development fund of one crore rupees. He added that no one wants to harm anyone, and therefore Naxalites should abandon violence and come into the mainstream, as both the Government of India and the Government of Chhattisgarh will provide protection. Union Home Minister said that Naxalites, with their weapons, cannot stop the development of entire Bastar.
Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the slogan “Vocal for Local” and has facilitated the marketing of a unique product from each district by associating it with the GI tag, promoting it in markets across the country. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has emphasized that history is not limited to books; our tribal freedom fighters should receive respect and recognition across the country. Prime Minister Modi has taken steps to honor tribal heroes like Veer Gundadhur of Bastar, who fought for independence. He also highlighted that Prime Minister Modi has dedicated the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as “Janjatiya GauravDiwas” and has declared the 150thanniversary year as “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsha”.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that previous governments gave the slogan of “Garibi Hatao”, but for 75 years did nothing for the development of the poor. Prime Minister Modi, over the past 10 years, has built over 4 crore houses for the country’s millions of poor, provided 11 crore gas connections, constructed 12 crore toilets, delivered tap water to 15 crore homes, distributed free rations to 80 crore people, and provided free medical treatment up to 5 lakh rupees for 70 crore people.
Shri Amit Shah said that those who have understood that for development, one needs a computer, not a gun in hand, and a pen, not IEDs and grenades, have all surrendered. He mentioned that in the direction of ending Naxalism, 521 Naxalites have surrendered so far this year, while 881 Naxalites surrendered in 2024. Shri Shah expressed confidence that those Naxalites who lay down their arms will be able to join the mainstream and progress, but those who choose the path of violence by picking up weapons will be dealt with strictly by the security forces. He added that the Modi government is committed to making the entire country free from Naxalism by March 2026.
Union Home Minister said that Bastar has now become a symbol of the future, not fear. Earlier, due to the terror of Naxalites, politicians were stopped from holding rallies and gatherings, but times have changed. Today, they are celebrating Ram Navami, Ashtami, and the Bastar Pandum Festival in front of 50,000 tribal brothers and sisters. He mentioned that where once the sound of bullets echoed, now the sound of machines is heard; where villages were once desolate, now school bells ring; where roads were once a dream, highways are being built; and where children once feared going to school, today they are connecting with the world through computers. He added that Bastar’s development is happening because no one is associating with Naxalism anymore.
Shri Amit Shah said that Bastar is now moving forward with the light of development, trust, and victory. He emphasized that village assemblies should be convened to encourage Naxalites to surrender and help open the path to development. Shri Shah further stated that when someone from Sukma becomes a Sub-Inspector, from Bastar becomes a Barrister, from Dantewada becomes a Doctor, and from Kanker becomes a Collector, then development will take place. This is the kind of development and progress we need to create in Bastar. He urged everyone to work with dedication and fearlessness to make the dreams of development a reality, as under PM Modi’s leadership, no one needs to be afraid.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) organized a Conference of State Government Ministers on Strengthening of Statistical Systems on 5th April, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Rao Inderjit Singh, the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), MoSPI, Ministry of Planning, and Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Culture, chaired the Conference. In his inaugural address, he appreciated the participation and committed involvement of States / Union Territories (UTs) in the conference and underscored the indispensable role of reliable data in shaping effective policies and called for unified efforts to embrace innovation, foster coordination, and uphold transparency in statistical processes, in a continued journey towards attaining the vision of “Vikshit Bharat 2047” and invited cooperation from all the States/UTs to strengthen the national statistical system.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, emphasized the importance of robust statistical system for evidence-based policymaking. He highlighted key initiatives of MoSPI, including the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Scheme and appealed for participation in the National Sample Surveys (NSS). He stressed upon the need for having sub-state level estimates for more granularity. Concluding with a call for strengthened collaboration, he emphasized greater use of administrative and alternate data sources, use of modern technology in data collection, refining statistical frameworks to promote transparency, credibility, accountability, sustainable development and capacity building of States/UTs officials through NSSTA training programmes.
Ms. Nandita Gorlosa, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare, Welfare of Minorities & Development and Public Works (Buildings & National Highways) Departments, Govt. of Assam ; Shri Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Planning and Development, Govt. of Bihar; Shri Gaurav Gautam, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship and Sports, Govt. of Haryana; Shri Radha Krishna Kishore, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Planning & Development, Govt. of Jharkhand; Dr. Vanlalthlana, Hon’ble Minister, Department of School Education/Higher and Technical Education/Information and Public relations/Information and Communication Technology, Govt. of Mizoram; Shri K K Vishnoi, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Skill & Employment & Entrepreneurship Department, Government of Rajasthan; Shri Bikash Debbarma, Hon’ble Minister, Planning (Statistics) Department, Government of Tripura; Shri Suresh Kumar Khanna, Hon’ble Minister, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Hon’ble Minister of Minister of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Skill development & Employment, Protocol and Sugarcane Development, Govt. of Uttarakhand and Ms Chandrima Bhattacharya, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Planning, Statistics and Programme Monitoring, Govt. of West Bengal participated in the conference.
The State Government Ministers/UT Administrators appreciated the Conference of State Government Ministers and suggested that this should be made a regular feature for better coordination and holistic development of the National Statistical System. They also highlighted the importance of producing relevant, accurate, and timely statistics at both the national and sub-national levels and emphasised on the key areas where deeper collaboration and partnership between the Centre and the States is crucial for strengthening both national and state statistical systems.
Additional Chief Secretary, Secretary (Planning), Special Secretary, Director (DES) and other senior level officers from States/ UTs also participated in the conference and made their valuable suggestions.
The workshop featured presentations on key aspects of statistical development and reforms, focusing on strengthening the national statistical system. Discussions covered the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Scheme, State participation in the National Sample Surveys (NSS) for district-level and advancements in sub-state level estimates for GDP, IIP, and CPI. Key topics also included statistical standards like NMDS 2.0 and unique identifiers, capacity building, innovation, and sub-national SDG monitoring frameworks. The focus of the conference was also on environment accounts, data dissemination through e-Sankhyiki, review of MPLADS and monitoring of major infrastructure projects, alongside major statistical reforms and achievements.
The Hon’ble Minister, MoSPI also released its annual publication namely “Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data” and also launched the website of National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) and the Micro-data Portal of MoSPI. In addition, Semantic Search on National Industrial Classification Code, developed during the recently concluded Hackathon in IIT Gandhinagar during March, 2025 was also showcased in the Conference.
Through this conference, MoSPI gained a understanding of the specific needs and requirements of the States/UTs to improve their statistical systems, as well as to ascertain their expectations. The States appreciated the much needed financial support made by MoSPI through the Support for Statistical Strengthening Scheme, popularly known as the SSS Scheme, in augmenting the Statistical system of the States/UTs. Most of the states requested for support from MoSPI, in terms of technical assistance, training to state officials, setting up of training institutes / Centre of Excellence at State/UT level etc. Also, some States/UTs highlighted good initiatives made in their States for improvement of statistical systems, which are worth replicating in other States/UTs.
The conference concluded on a positive note, fostering continued collaboration with the State/UT Governments.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Ram Navami.
In a message, the President has said “On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.
This holy festival is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram. The epic life journey of Bhagwan Shri Ram inspires us to follow the path of truth, dharma and ethics. This festival gives the message to serve humanity with dedication and commitment. This sacred festival motivates people to adopt life values of sacrifice, selfless love and remain committed to one’s word.
On this holy occasion, let us learn from the ideals of Bhagwan Shri Ram and work together for the well-being of entire humanity”.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited and laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo today. He hailed the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
In a post on X, he stated:
“Laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo. We remember the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Their unwavering courage and commitment remain a source of inspiration for us all.”
“கொழும்பில் உள்ள இந்திய அமைதிப்படையினரின் நினைவுத் தூபியில் மலர்வளையம் வைத்து அஞ்சலி செலுத்தினேன். இலங்கையின் ஆட்புல ஒருமைப்பாடு, ஐக்கியம் மற்றும் சமாதானம் ஆகியவற்றுக்கான உயர்பணியில் தமது வாழ்வை தியாகம் செய்த இந்திய அமைதிகாக்கும் படையின் துணிச்சல் மிக்க வீரர்களை இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் நாம் நினைவுகூர்கிறோம். அவர்களின் அசைக்க முடியாத தைரியமும், அர்ப்பணிப்பும் நம் அனைவரினதும் உத்வேகத்தின் ஆதாரமாக நிலைத்திருக்கின்றன.”
Laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo. We remember the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Their unwavering courage and commitment remain a source of inspiration… pic.twitter.com/Ys0AONHIxN
கொழும்பில் உள்ள இந்திய அமைதிப்படையினரின் நினைவுத் தூபியில் மலர்வளையம் வைத்து அஞ்சலி செலுத்தினேன். இலங்கையின் ஆட்புல ஒருமைப்பாடு, ஐக்கியம் மற்றும் சமாதானம் ஆகியவற்றுக்கான உயர்பணியில் தமது வாழ்வை தியாகம் செய்த இந்திய அமைதிகாக்கும் படையின் துணிச்சல் மிக்க வீரர்களை இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில்… pic.twitter.com/bS3IkmmhiX
India Marks 62nd National Maritime Day Honouring Seafarers as the Nation Advances towards a Sustainable Maritime Future “Prosperous Seas – Developed India and Youth for Blue Economy and Green Growth” was the theme of the this year’s Maritime Week
“The ocean connects us not just to trade, but to opportunity, growth, and national progress:” Sarbananda Sonowal
Posted On: 05 APR 2025 7:59PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) celebrated the 62nd National Maritime Day across the country with great enthusiasm and reverence, honouring India’s rich maritime heritage and the exceptional contribution of seafarers to the nation’s growth and global connectivity.
This year’s theme, “Prosperous Seas – Developed India and Youth for Blue Economy and Green Growth,” reflected the importance of sustainable growth in the maritime sector and the critical role of youth in driving innovation and environmental stewardship.
The National Maritime Day Celebration Committee (NMDCC), Delhi chapter, under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping, MoPSW, organised the central celebration at the Vinay Marg Sports Ground in New Delhi today. The function was graced by the Union Cabinet Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “On National Maritime Day, we honour the unwavering spirit of our seafarers and the maritime community who keep India’s economy sailing forward. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we continue to strengthen our ports, empower coastal shipping, and embrace innovation. We reaffirm our commitment to making India a global maritime leader. The ocean connects us not just to trade, but to opportunity, growth, and national progress.”
Week-long celebrations were held across the maritime sector, including flag pinning ceremonies for the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Governors of maritime states, blood donation camps, wreath-laying ceremonies to honour fallen seafarers, and national-level seminars on maritime development and the future of the Blue Economy.
Adding further, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s maritime sector is undergoing a historic transformation. With our vast Blue Economy, cutting-edge port infrastructure, and future-ready shipping ecosystem, the sector is emerging as a powerful force multiplier in our journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. National Maritime Week is a celebration of our seafarers, our coastal communities, and our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable, secure, and globally competitive maritime future for India.”
During the event, Shri Sonowal interacted warmly with the cadets during the refreshment session, engaging in meaningful conversations about their aspirations and training. The Union Minister interacted with female cadets, encouraging them to lead from the front in shaping the future of India’s maritime landscape. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Interacting with the young cadets on the sidelines of National Maritime Week was truly inspiring — their passion and commitment reflect the bright future of India’s maritime journey. I wished them best of luck and commended them for their most important role as the nation builders via a strong, vibrant, modern and efficient maritime sector.”
To foster community engagement and promote a healthy maritime spirit, sporting events such as football, cricket, volleyball, javelin throw, relay races, and sprints were organised with active participation from maritime professionals. These activities underscored the values of teamwork, resilience, and camaraderie that are hallmarks of life at sea.
The Ministry also recognised the outstanding services of individuals and organisations in the maritime sector by conferring awards and commendations to honour their dedication and achievements. The event was also attended by the Secretary (Shipping), Joint Secretary (Ports), Directors, and Under Secretaries from the Ministry, reflecting the strong institutional presence and commitment to maritime advancement. Around 510 trainees and faculty members participated in the event.
The 62nd National Maritime Day not only honoured the legacy of India’s maritime pioneers but also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to a greener, more inclusive, and innovation-driven maritime future. National Maritime Day commemorates the historic voyage of ‘S.S. Loyalty’, the first Indian-owned steamship, which sailed from Mumbai to London on April 5, 1919. This momentous event marked India’s foray into international shipping and laid the foundation for the nation’s proud maritime journey.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid his respects at the ‘Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial’ in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, near Colombo, today.
The IPKF Memorial commemorates the soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force, who made the supreme sacrifice in defending the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.