The Bharat Pavilion, an immersive viewing zone that took visitors through the continuum of India’s storytelling traditions at WAVES 2025, has received an overwhelming reception and response from the public. The Pavilion, under the theme “From Kala to Code”, offered a compelling narrative of India’s evolution in media and entertainment—from oral and visual traditions to cutting-edge digital innovations.
The Bharat Pavillion presented the soul of India, balancing our rich cultural heritage with the new waves of technical advancements that are already underway. On the inaugural day of WAVES 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the Pavilion. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and many other dignitaries visited the pavilion and appreciated its role in telling the story of Bharat. The pavilion also garnered huge footfall, leaving people in awe and wonder on discovering the many treasures of our nation.
Celebrating India’s creative journey, the Bharat Pavilion was not just an exhibition of content but a powerful expression of India as a creator. It projected India’s cultural depth, artistic excellence, and emerging dominance in global storytelling. The Pavilion was structured into four thematic zones, each reflecting a different dimension of India’s creative legacy:
Shruti – On Oral Traditions: Honouring India’s ancient oral narrative heritage, this zone explored how rhythm and melody preserved collective memory.
Key highlights:
Guru-Shishya Parampara: Tribute to oral knowledge systems.
Mystical Whispers: Vedic chants and spiritual traditions.
Dhun: Museum of Melodies: Display of classical Indian instruments.
Echoes of the Land: Immersive folk soundscapes.
Making Waves with Music: From Gauhar Jaan to global maestros.
Spotify Stage: Live classical performance by Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, and younger family members.
India on Air: Legacy of All India Radio.
Playback Nation: 100 years of iconic playback singing.
Cassette to Cloud: Evolution of music formats.
Podcast Central: Rise of spoken word audio.
Whispers of Wisdom: Growth of audiobooks in India.
Kriti – Inscriptions and written tradition: This zone highlighted the written word’s role in preserving India’s civilizational memory.
Key highlights:
First Signs: Early cave paintings and communication.
Imprints of Indus: Interactive Indus Valley experience.
Ramayana Across Civilizations: Epic’s journey through Asia.
Edicts of Bharat: Ashoka’s inscriptions.
Wisdom Preserved: Manuscripts from ancient libraries.
Memoirs of Metal: Copperplate documentation.
The Power of Print: Rise of Indian journalism.
The Indian Shelf: Interactive digital library of iconic books.
Cover Story: Celebrating Indian magazines.
The Comics Corner: From classic comics to graphic novels.
Drishti – Visual Traditions
Focusing on visual storytelling, this zone spanned from cave art to modern cinema.
Key highlights:
Kala Yatra: LED tunnel showcasing India’s visual art evolution.
The Eternal Rhythm: Holographic display of Harappa’s Dancing Girl.
The Essence of Emotion: Interactive exploration of Navarasa.
Nataraja Display: Visual homage to Shiva as the cosmic dancer.
Folk Chronicles: Folk dances, puppetry, and tribal expressions.
Frames of the Past: Film evolution screenings.
Wall of Fame: Celebrating icons of Indian cinema.
Lights Camera Legacy: Tributes to film creators and technicians.
TV through the Years: Display from Doordarshan to the streaming era.
Creator’s Leap
This zone showcased India’s innovation in future-facing storytelling technologies.
Key highlights:
Displays of Indian advances in AI, XR, gaming, metaverse, and animation.
Showcasing emerging Indian intellectual properties.
Interactive demos reflecting the future of storytelling.
The Bharat Pavilion at WAVES 2025 offered a multi-sensory celebration of India’s storytelling traditions and innovations. It reaffirmed India’s identity as a creative powerhouse, rooted in heritage and looking to the future.
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WAVES is a powerful platform for collaborators and content creators: Himesh Reshammiya WAVES 2025 Shines a Spotlight on Indian Music – “Taking Indian Music to New Heights”
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:46PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 4 May 2025
The third day of the WAVES 2025 Summit delivered a landmark session titled “Taking Indian Music to New Heights,” featuring a high-powered panel of industry visionaries and changemakers who gathered to discuss the global rise of Indian music and the opportunities ahead.
This compelling session brought together some of the most respected names from both Indian and international music industries, who shared insights on artist development, music publishing, digital growth, international collaborations, and industry innovation.
Himesh Reshammiya, the renowned Bollywood music composer and singer, described WAVES 2025 as a powerful platform for collaborators and content creators. He emphasized the importance of preparation for newcomers, advising them to always keep their music portfolio ready and polished. Reflecting on his own journey, he acknowledged that while there were limited opportunities in the past, today’s aspiring artists can leverage independent platforms and social media to showcase their talent. However, he stressed that the most critical factor remains the quality of the music – it must be appealing and melodious to truly connect with audiences and make a mark in the industry.
Kwee Tiang, Vice President at Universal Music, shared insightful perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the Asian and global music markets. He reaffirmed Universal Music’s commitment to nurturing Indian talent and building global pathways for their success, while underlining the need for a more sustainable and value-driven music consumption culture in India.
A leader in music technology and copyright protection, Dr. Richard Gooch, Chief Technology Officer, IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), emphasized the role of data-driven strategies and global standards in safeguarding and promoting Indian music on international platforms.
Representing one of the world’s largest music publishing entities, Dinraj Shetty, Executive, Sony Music Publishing shared insights on music rights management and how Indian songwriters and composers can better monetize their work in the streaming age.
Vikram Mehra, Managing Director of Saregama, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between artists and music labels, stressing that both deserve respect for the industry to grow. He noted that artists must be valued for their creativity, while labels should be acknowledged for their financial investments in music. Mehra also highlighted the need for a robust subscription-based market, smoother government policies, and stricter action against piracy, which has significantly harmed the music industry.
Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner Music India, shared his vision for the future of the Indian music industry, highlighting the contrast between the country’s rapidly growing GDP and the relatively stagnant growth of its music sector. He pointed out that despite the economic expansion, the music industry hasn’t kept pace, primarily due to challenges in monetization and consumer behavior. However, Mehta expressed optimism, stating that Indian consumers are willing to pay but only when the content is truly compelling and high-quality. He emphasized the importance of discovering fresh talent, promoting genre diversity, and building strong connections between Indian and global music scenes to unlock the industry’s full potential.
A key voice in the policy and regulatory space, Fernandes provided a macroeconomic overview of India’s music industry and advocated for stronger frameworks, rights protection and digital innovation.
The Session was skillfully moderated by Scott De Mercado, a respected music entrepreneur and global consultant, with insightful questions that drew out the distinctive viewpoints and forward-looking ideas of each speaker. Emphasizing the central role of creators, he remarked that artists are the true heroes of the industry, and the ecosystem must be built to support and empower them.
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Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed in India India Becomes the First Country in the World to Develop Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
The new genome varieties hold the potential for revolutionary changes in higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi
Key Highlights:
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has achieved a historic milestone in scientific research,” said Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
“Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, agricultural research has been given a new direction,” added Shri Chouhan.
“This is a golden opportunity for the agriculture sector,” stated Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
“These new varieties will play a leading role in heralding the second Green Revolution,” emphasized Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties, in India, at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. This marks a new beginning in the field of scientific research and innovation. A large number of scientists and farmers attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s vision for a developed nation is being realized, and farmers are moving towards prosperity. Today’s achievement will be written in golden letters. During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Prime Minister Modi had called upon farmers to adopt modern techniques to overcome agricultural challenges. Inspired by his words, ICAR scientists have made exceptional achievements in the field of agriculture with the creation of these new varieties.”
He further said that the development of these new crops will not only enhance production but will also yield positive results in environmental terms. It will save irrigation water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby lowering environmental pressure. This is a classic example of getting both benefits – increased production and environmental conservation.
Shri Chouhan emphasized that in the coming times, there is a need for ensuring food security, increasing nutritious production, and providing food for both India and the world, while making India the food basket of the world. He stated, “We are proud that our efforts have led to the export of 48,000 crore worth of Basmati rice annually.”
The Minister also urged the need to take further steps to increase production of soybean, arhar, tur, lentils, urad, oilseeds, and pulses.
Shri Chouhan also introduced the “Minus 5 and Plus 10” formula, explaining that it involves reducing the area of rice cultivation by 5 million hectares while increasing rice production by 10 million tons in the same area. This would free up space for the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.
He urged the farmers, especially the young farmers, to adopt advanced farming techniques. Shri Chouhan said, “We need to take agricultural research to the farmers. When agricultural scientists and farmers come together, miracles will happen.”
Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, virtually congratulated the scientists.
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, DA&FW, MoEF&CC, highlighted that the new varieties announced by ICAR today could be a game-changer for Indian agriculture:
Dr. M.L Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), emphasized the importance of demand-driven research, highlighting the need to gather feedback from farmers about their specific requirements. This approach will ensure that research outcomes are tailored to meet the needs of farmers and effectively reach them with the right solutions.
On this occasion, the Minister honored the scientists who contributed to the research of the two varieties. Dr. Vishwanathan C, Dr. Gopal Krishnan S, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. Shivani Nagar, Dr. Archana Vats, Dr. Soham Ray, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh and Dr. Pranjal Yadav, were honored for their work on Pusa DST Rice 1. Dr. Satyendra Kumar Mangruthia, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Dr. R. Abdul Fiyaz, Dr. C.N. Neerja, and Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad were honored for their contribution to the development of of DRR Rice 100 (Kamla).
Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadava, Deputy Director General, (Crop Science) ICAR, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Director, ICAR-Indian Rice Research Institute, Hyderabad, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Former Director, ICAR, and Dr. C.H. Srinivas Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI also addressed the event.
Background:
ICAR has developed India’s first genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. These varieties have the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in terms of higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation.
These new varieties were developed using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas, which makes precise changes in the organism’s genetic material without adding foreign DNA. Genome editing of SDN 1 and SDN 2 types of genes has been approved under India’s biosafety regulations for general crops.
In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing research to improve two major rice varieties – Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010 – under the National Agricultural Science Fund. The outcome of this research is the two advanced varieties that offer the following benefits:
A 19% increase in yield.
A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
A saving of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.
Improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses.
The DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) variety was developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, based on Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204). Its objective is to increase the number of grains per panicle and it matures 20 days earlier (~130 days). Due to its shorter duration, it helps save water and fertilizers and reduces methane gas emissions. Its stalk is strong and does not fall. The rice quality is similar to the original variety, Samba Mahsuri.
The second variety, Pusa DST Rice 1, was developed by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, based on MTU 1010. This variety can increase yields by 9.66% to 30.4% in saline and alkaline soils, with the potential for up to 20% increase in production.
These varieties have been developed for states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal (Zone III).
The development of these varieties is a significant step toward India’s goal of becoming a developed nation and promoting sustainable agriculture. In the 2023-24 budget, the Government of India allocated ₹500 crores for genome editing in agricultural crops. ICAR has already initiated genome-editing research for several crops, including oilseeds and pulses.
The Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, chaired a meeting to review the performance of Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) today at Ranchi. The review meeting was attended by Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), CMPDI, Shri Shankar Nagachari, Director (Tech./CRD); Shri Ajay Kumar, Director (Tech./P&D/RD&T), GM/HoDs and other Sr.officials of CMPDI.
During the review meeting, CMPDI’s performance in various areas of operation like Exploration, Report Preparation, Capex, R&D projects, Solar Projects, CSR initiatives during 2024-25 was presented, along with targets for 2025-26.
The Minister appreciated CMPDI’s performance and emphasized the importance of introducing new technologies in coal washing, exploration of critical minerals and increasing the use of solar energy in Coal India Limited (CIL).
In a strong start to FY’26, MOIL has reported its highest ever April performance, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, in terms of,
Record April production of 1.62 lakh tonnes of Manganese (Mn) ore, registering a growth of 1.5% over CPLY.
Exploratory core drilling of 11,453 meters – a 58% increase over CPLY.
Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL, remarked, “MOIL’s April performance sets a positive tone for the year ahead. The organization remains committed to sustained growth and value creation.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hong Kong Customs today (May 4) conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Sheung Shui, successfully dismantling two storage and distribution centres primarily operated by foreign domestic helpers. Two female foreign domestic helpers aged 40 and 48 were arrested, and around 200,000 suspected illicit cigarettes were seized, with an estimated market value of about $900,000 and a duty potential of approximately $660,000.
Early this morning, Customs officers spotted two women carrying suspicious nylon bags in Choi Yuen Estate, Sheung Shui. Upon interception, about 90,000 suspected illicit cigarettes were found inside the bags. The two helpers were then escorted back to their employers’ public rental housing units respectively for further investigation, where an additional 110,000 illicit cigarettes were uncovered.
Based on preliminary investigation, the two arrested domestic helpers were suspected to use their co-living employers’ public housing units as storage centres for illicit cigarettes. They used the flats as delivery addresses and collected the illicit cigarettes on “piecemeal basis” to avoid detection by their employers and distributed them during early hours on holidays. Customs will continue investigating the source and distribution channels of the illicit cigarettes, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will also continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multi-pronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.
Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held a productive meeting in Brussels on 2nd May 2025 with Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Mr. Theo Francken and Minister-President of the Flanders region Mr. Matthias Diependaele to strengthen the Indo-Belgian partnership across trade, technology, investment, and innovation. This engagement follows the March 2025 visit of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium to India, where her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the shared ambition to unlock new avenues for collaboration in trade, technology, defence, agriculture, life sciences, innovation, skilling and academic exchanges. The over 300-member Belgian Economic Mission, led by Princess Astrid, infused fresh momentum into this dynamic bilateral relationship. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building on this momentum to forge resilient, future-focused ties that enhance mutual growth and contribute to a more integrated global economic framework.
The discussions highlighted growing economic synergies and focused on scaling bilateral trade, fostering industrial collaboration, and deepening investments in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, defence production, and pharmaceuticals.The Flanders region, recognized as Belgium’s economic engine, was highlighted as a critical partner with its advanced manufacturing ecosystem, R&D infrastructure, and its strategic role as a European gateway. With India already the world’s fastest-growing major economy and widely expected to remain so over the next two decades ahead—driven by a young, aspirational population and a dynamic reform-oriented environment—the growth story presents an unprecedented opportunity for India and Belgium.
The two sides reaffirmed their shared vision of mutual prosperity and resilient economic cooperation amidst evolving global challenges. Minister Goyal reflected on India’s transformative economic journey over the past decade, emphasizing reforms that have empowered citizens and entrepreneurs alike. “The last eleven years have not only been about economic upliftment, but about enabling aspirations,” he stated.
The meeting also reviewed progress in EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with both parties recognizing the need to address tariff and non-tariff barriers to enhance market access. Minister Goyal reiterated India’s position as a trusted and long-term economic partner for Europe’s growth, remarking, “India is not just a market of the future—it is a collaborator of trust.”
Belgium remains one of India’s most significant economic partners in Europe. It is India’s 5th largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade reaching USD 15.07 billion in 2023–24. Belgian FDI in India has totaled USD 3.94 billion from April 2000 to September 2024, including a remarkable 39% growth—USD 1.1 billion—in the past year alone. Bilateral cooperation spans a wide array of sectors including defence manufacturing, green hydrogen, nano-electronics, nuclear medicine, and pharmaceutical R&D, reflecting the expanding depth and strategic nature of the Indo-Belgian economic relationship. Both sides agreed to strengthen high-level engagements and facilitate regular visits by business delegations to accelerate trade and investment outcomes.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Minister of Defense Mr Gen Nakatani in New Delhi on May 05, 2025. Both sides will exchange views and ideas on the current regional & international security situation and discuss ways to further deepen the bilateral defence cooperation.
India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has further gained qualitative momentum after the elevation of this collaboration to Special Strategic & Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security are important pillars of the ties between the two countries.
Defence exchanges between India and Japan have gained strength in recent years due to the growing convergence on strategic matters. Its significance is increasing from the common outlook on issues of peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.
This will be the second meeting between the two Defence Ministers within six months after their maiden interaction in November 2024 on the sidelines of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus at Lao PDR.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the inaugural ceremony of 7th Khelo India Youth Games Best wishes to the athletes participating in the Khelo India Youth Games being held in Bihar, May this platform bring out your best and promote true sporting excellence: PM
Today India is making efforts to bring Olympics in our country in the year 2036: PM
The government is focusing on modernizing the sports infrastructure in the country: PM
The sports budget has been increased more than three times in the last decade, this year the sports budget is about Rs 4,000 crores: PM
We have made sports a part of mainstream education in the new National Education Policy with the aim of producing good sportspersons as well as excellent sports professionals in the country: PM
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 8:02PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural ceremony of 7th Khelo India Youth Games via videoconferencing today. Addressing the athletes, coaches, and staff members present at the event, he remarked that players from across the country had gathered, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. He highlighted their dedication and hard work, acknowledging their contribution to the sporting spirit of the nation. Emphasizing the remarkable skills and commitment of the athletes, the Prime Minister affirmed that their passion for sports and continuous pursuit of excellence bring pride to the nation. He extended his best wishes to them for their future endeavors.
Highlighting the extensive competitions to be held across multiple cities in Bihar during the Khelo India Youth Games, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, Shri Modi noted that in the coming days, over six thousand young athletes would participate, carrying their dreams and aspirations with them. He extended his best wishes to all the players, emphasizing that sports in India is now evolving into a distinct cultural identity. “As India’s sporting culture grows, so will the country’s soft power on the global stage”, said Shri Modi, underscoring the significance of the Khelo India Youth Games in providing a major platform for the nation’s youth.
Underscoring the importance of continuous improvement for athletes, emphasizing the necessity of playing more matches and participating in more competitions to refine their skills, the Prime Minister reiterated that their government has always given top priority to this aspect in its policies. He highlighted that various sporting events under Khelo India—University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, and Para Games—are held throughout the year at multiple levels nationwide. These consistent competitions, he remarked, boost athletes’ confidence and bring their talent to the forefront. Citing an example from cricket, the Prime Minister lauded Bihar’s own Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his outstanding performance in the IPL at such a young age. He emphasized that while Vaibhav’s hard work was crucial, the exposure to multiple competitions also played a key role in shaping his talent. The Prime Minister asserted that the more an athlete plays, the more they thrive. He remarked that the Khelo India Youth Games provide young athletes with an opportunity to understand the nuances of national-level sports and gain valuable experience.
Stressing that hosting the Olympics in India has been a long-cherished dream of every citizen, Shri Modi underlined India’s efforts to bring the Olympics to the country in 2036, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to strengthening its presence in international sports. He underscored the government’s focus on identifying sporting talent at the school level and providing them with structured training. He remarked that initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme have contributed to building a robust sports ecosystem, benefiting thousands of athletes across Bihar and the rest of the country. He stressed the importance of giving athletes opportunities to explore diverse sports. He noted that Khelo India Youth Games has incorporated traditional and indigenous games like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and even Yogasana to promote India’s rich sporting heritage. Shri Modi also acknowledged the growing presence of Indian athletes in new and emerging sports. He highlighted recent commendable performances in disciplines such as Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating. He recalled the historic moment when India’s women’s team secured a medal in Lawn Bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, bringing global recognition to the sport in India.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s focus on modernizing India’s sports infrastructure, noting that in the past decade, the sports budget has increased more than threefold, reaching approximately ₹4,000 crore this year, with a significant portion allocated to infrastructure development. He remarked that over 1,000 Khelo India Centers are operational across the country, including more than three dozen in Bihar. He emphasized that Bihar is benefiting from the Union and State governments, with the state government expanding several initiatives at its level. The Prime Minister acknowledged the establishment of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir and institutions like Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy. He highlighted the ongoing construction of a Sports City along the Patna-Gaya Highway and the development of sports facilities in Bihar’s villages. He affirmed that the Khelo India Youth Games will further strengthen Bihar’s presence on the national sports map.
“The world of sports and its associated economy extend far beyond the playing field, sports are creating new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship for young individuals”, said Shri Modi. He noted various emerging fields such as physiotherapy, data analytics, sports technology, broadcasting, e-sports, and management, which offer diverse career opportunities. He remarked that young professionals could explore roles as coaches, fitness trainers, recruitment agents, event managers, sports lawyers, and media experts. “Today, a stadium is no longer just a venue for matches but has become a source of thousands of jobs”, stated Shri Modi, underlining the growing possibilities in sports entrepreneurship, with initiatives like the establishment of National Sports Universities and the integration of sports into mainstream education through the new National Education Policy. Shri Modi stressed the importance of sportsmanship in every aspect of life, highlighting how sports instill teamwork, collaboration, and perseverance. Encouraging the athletes, he urged them to perform at their best and represent the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ as brand ambassadors. He expressed confidence that the athletes would carry fond memories from Bihar. He also encouraged those visiting from outside the state to savor the taste of Litti Chokha and Bihar’s famous Makhana.
Expressing hope that the Khelo India Youth Games would elevate both the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism among the participants, the Prime Minister officially announced the commencement of the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.
The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Smt Raksha Khadse, Shri Ram Nath Thakur were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Best wishes to the athletes participating in the Khelo India Youth Games being held in Bihar. May this platform bring out your best and promote true sporting excellence. @kheloindiahttps://t.co/jlOrc6qO1U
Distinguished audience, this conference, BRONCOCON 2025, has come not a day too soon because it addresses issues that are writing on the wall. Issues of huge contemporaneous relevance. It gives me immense pleasure. I take it as an absolute honour to inaugurate the 27th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for Bronchology. The Institute is known for its hallmark excellence in respiratory medicine and innovation.
I’m sure the deliberations will be extremely fruitful. There will be ideation, exchange of ideas and interaction amongst people who are dealing with this menace to humanity that is ballooning by the day. BRONCOCON, according to me, is bound to be a crucible of ideas, redefining the future of pulmonary care in India and beyond, and this is gaining urgency, this is gaining paramountcy, this is gaining absolute attention.
With over hundreds of brilliant minds dedicated to respiratory care, I’m reminded that each breath, that fundamental act of living that defines that we are living, is what your profession protects. You are protecting our lives. Your theme, very well thought out. Beyond the scope, evolving frontiers in pulmonary procedures. This demonstrates remarkable foresight because the issues are known to one and all.
Everyone is concerned and we live in a city where this dominates our mindset for months together. We know the evil consequences of this issue not being addressed. It is cancerous for society. Much beyond COVID, if we analyse the loss for our children, for our elderly citizens and for our youth, apart from those far before me.
The future of pulmonary care lies at the intersections of medicine, technology, environmental science, public policy and community engagement. All are vital to address this problem. Gone are the days when either education or solutions could be by stand-alone institutions. There has to be concerted effort. There has to be convergence of all stakeholders. They have to be on the same page to find resolution of a problem which is diagnosed by everyone in a city like Delhi and beyond. Pulmonologists and bronchologists have been silent sentinels of public health, moving to the frontline during, and who knows better than me, as Governor of the State of West Bengal. COVID-19, what a challenge it was.
I salute your tireless efforts across clinics, ICUs, labs, classrooms and policy-making arenas. When the challenge was so huge, humanity in a non-discriminatory fashion came to face this menace, home to one-sixth of humanity in the land of Atharva Ved, showed the way. We could easily find light at the end of a tunnel and also show light to about hundred other countries that are ever beholden to us. Indian pulmonology has transformed through growing clinical expertise, public awareness and technological adoption.
India, distinguished audience is a land which is witnessing at the moment accessibility to technology, adaptability to technology and technology delivering for the people at large, but in this field also much has to be negotiated. As I just indicated a while ago, our ancient texts, particularly Atharva Ved and envisions, health as a perfect balance of body, mind and spirit. It recognises breath as ‘pran’. If it goes, ‘pran’ doesn’t exist in us.
The vital life force connecting individual wellness with environmental harmony. The importance of health can be visualised. A talented person, a person with passion, mission, ability for execution, for public causes, can be severely handicapped on account of health not being in order.
So such a well-meaning person whose commitment is not in doubt, passion is on the right path, mission is for people at large, execution ability is recognised, he himself becomes a person in need and therefore health is all-important. Our traditional wisdom teaches that respiratory health is inseparable from nature’s equilibrium, reckless exploitation of nature. We are its trustees and we have become its owners and we are exploiting not for optimal need but for our greed.
A time for all of us to think. Our physical prowess, our financial power cannot determine how we use these resources which are meant not only for individual serving having means but have to be utilised equitably for one and all. It is time for us to go back to our wisdom and knowledge that is our treasure recognised by the globe. We have to see indigenous practices of seasonal living. Our elderly people always say to use vegetables which are being grown around the same time. Use fruits which are there around the same time.
Forest conservation and dietary wisdom align remarkably with modern preventive medicine. We therefore have to go back to our roots. No time is better than this because the might of Bharat is being realised, reckoned and recognised by the global powers, by the global fraternity. And it is in this context I remind the distinguished audience the time-tested science of ‘Yoga and Pranayama’. These offer profound solutions but imagine the Indian Prime Minister takes this vision to the global community, makes an appeal to the United Nations. The shortest time the largest number of nations converge to support it and we are now celebrating International Yoga Day.
The population on the planet is uniformly benefiting thereby. Then we have techniques like Anulom Vilom, Bhastrika, Kapalbhati and when I see these being demonstrated on television. I find many people instantly want to take to these, but I will appeal particularly to our youth, impressionable minds to learn it once for all. If you learn the technique once your approach will be stable, sustained, not tentative. These afford not solutions but are recipes for longevity. They enhance immunity, they generate us stress-free, our vitality goes up, the quotient of happiness is enhanced. This will obviously lead to higher productivity.
Modern research has validated that our ancient practices are scientific. Our ancient practices are extremely potent. They afford precautionary, preventive solutions. The integration of traditional wisdom into modern scientific research is the need of the time and I am sure those dealing with contemporary medicine research will address this issue. The surge in interventional pulmonology enables targeted life enhancing interventions. Deploying these at district level health care centres could accelerate our national tuberculosis elimination programme. If metros are fully equipped that is not a solution. We have to reach out up to district level, both in terms of availability and affordability. While lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, early detection technologies not only offer hope but confidence that the problem can be addressed.
We must expand from the practice of medicine to the reach of medicine ensuring, as I said earlier, affordability and accessibility. Fortunately the government by affirmative policies has done much in this direction but it is the health and mindset of people of a nation that define the nation and health defines the mindset. If we believe and want everyone to believe that our mindset must be nationalistic, we must always keep nation first. No interest whatsoever personal, partisan or fiscal can have overriding impact or national interest but then that requires the first aspect.
Consider the lived realities and now I seek your attention. Look at the plight of children who are close to industrial areas. Look at those tender souls. The elderly exposed to biomass smoke. The farmer faces parali or crop burning issues. The factory worker inhales chemicals, dust. Invisible citizens whose lives are shaped by the air we breathe.
I still recall a person in another country handling the health department in another country saying a sick child is an assurance to the doctors for their work and pharmaceutical companies for survival. We don’t want that scenario. It will be too much for us to go for air purifiers. Selective solutions in democracy do not reflect well on democracy. Solutions have to be for one and all because equality is the hallmark of democracy and we have equality when iniquitous situations are contained in a systemic manner.
As indicated in one report just a year ago in February 2024, respiratory diseases continue India’s largest disease category and account for one-sixth of our population. Just imagine what a staggering figure it is. Asthma arises among children. COPD robs adults of productivity. Tuberculosis persists and tuberculosis is a situation that affects the entire family. Fortunately now the treatment is there. There was a time when there was no treatment. So what is more fundamental is diagnosis. Early diagnosis your treatments emanate easily. The psychological toll, just imagine someone suffering from TB, someone suffering from cancer, the psychological toll not on the only patient but on the family’s huge.
Fortunately now there is hand-holding for the physical part of it but then also much needs to be done. Then there is stigmatisation. Rather than hand-holding we keep to distance ourselves out of ignorance. Environmental factors include and who doesn’t know it, air pollution.
Just reflect today. Air pollution index in this city, you’ll be amazed. When you look at the desirable index and we’re getting away from it. But what is concerning is we are not serious about it. Like climate change, existential challenges, we don’t have another planet to live, but everyone thinks it is anybody else’s job. The job is of one and all. We are cliff hanging. We need to be awake. Then apart from air pollution, vehicular emissions. We don’t pool our resources. We would like to show our wealth by having as many cars as we can have. We have to find a systemic solution. Thankfully our public transport system is being strengthened. We are falling back on alternative automobile culture, but let’s do it while there is time.
Human behaviour, what we use, our level of nutrition and suddenly a new term has emerged in last few decades. Lifestyle disease is something which is correctionable at the level of an individual, at the level of the family, at the level of the society. The problems are compounded because they get in a stream making life of individuals difficult. But I am not in despair. I am full of hope, optimism and confidence. That when there is convergence of mind like yours, the mind that will ideate, the mind that will engage in research.
Let me caution you, research has to be authentic, research must be connected with ground results. Research is not meant for oneself or self, research is not to be for the self. Research is not assimilation. Research has to be real research that not only the nation but countries beyond us can take benefit of it.
Fortunately in our country there is a revolution of green energy, redotting our rural landscape massively but we need to do more on this. We need accelerated phasing out of old vehicles. People have to understand that an old vehicle has to be discarded for reasons that concern our health. Merely because an old vehicle is functional on the road, does not reflect on its road worthiness, that has to be done.
I said public transportation. We must take pride in using public transportation. Our ego should not come in between. In many countries this is done and here also the safest, fastest, surest way to reach an airport is through a metro. But that is something we need to make a habit of.
Look at our urban lungs – water bodies, forests and tree cover. In our Vedic culture we reward them, we worship them. Now we are using it for our own gain. We are destroying our respiratory system that nature has given to us. People go for indoor plants, air purifiers out of necessity. Not recognising that this is indicative of a deep malice that is permeating in the society. Your miniscule solution is temporary for you. You have to find a systemic solution. Systemic solution is one that improves the world.
I deeply appreciate the medical community in our country. Your role transcends healing, encompassing innovation, advocacy, education and inspiration. When we faced pandemic, this was demonstrated. People came with their own ideas and they were safe from Covid.
I therefore appeal to all of you that we must bridge medicine with data science, environmental studies, engineering and artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence or let us put it in a broad term, disruptive technologies, these have entered our home, our way of life, our workplace, our research centres.
Disruptive technologies are much beyond the impact of industrial revolutions but the challenges have to be converted into opportunities. According to me, distinguished audience, it is a myth that this technology, when employed, will cut into human resource employability – No. You have to tame the technology, you have to use it for our advantage, and I’m sure you’ll work it out. You are working for a robust environment for us all. Your deliberations are bound to be absolutely wholesome for all of us.
Let us resolve on this day to build a future where every citizen breathes easily, breathes clean air, lives longer, and dreams bigger. Health is the first factor that deprives happiness. May your deliberations be fruitful and transformative.
‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः’ is something we have got from our scriptures to be practised.
I am grateful for the Vice-President here, who is also chairman of BRONCOCON 2025, Dr. Vivek Nangia, also Dr. R.P. Meena, the president, and the secretary, Dr. Amita Nene, for affording me this opportunity to interact with brilliant minds, minds that have passion without personal interest, a mission that is not selective, and execution that is uniform, that is helping one and all — ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’