From Chemistry to Maths: PM Modi Celebrates Indian Students’ Global Olympiad Wins
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently marked the success of four remarkable Indian students: Devesh Pankaj, Sandeep Kuchi, Debdatt Priyadarshi, and Ujjwal Kesari, who received international science medals, increasing India's prestige on the international front.
Devesh Pankaj of Jalgaon (Maharashtra) and Sandeep Kuchi of Hyderabad (Telangana) both won gold medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025 in Dubai from July 5 to 14. While this, Debdatt Priyadarshi of Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) and Ujjwal Kesari also won medals, earning national pride and global acclaim.
The students' wins symbolize decades of devotion, thorough training, and institutional backing from national agencies such as the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). Their triumphs echo as India's consistent excellence at global STEM Olympiads.
In his address during the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister not only appreciated their achievement in chemistry but also emphasized India's recent triumph in mathematics—where the nation bagged three gold, two silver, and one bronze at the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025 in Australia—highlighting India's increasing power in STEM fields.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad in India
PM Modi said that these successes reaffirm India's distinctive identity in the international knowledge economy and motivate subsequent generations of Indian students. He went on to add that India would be hosting the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad in Mumbai with 60 participating nations in the near future, heralding the country's ascendancy in scientific learning and global cooperation.
While the country celebrates these young achievers, teachers and politicians are urged to strengthen support structures that foster scientific talent. These youngsters are role models, reminding India that international excellence in science and mathematics is both possible and quintessentially Indian in its educational culture.
About Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space
PM Modi also mentioned, "In the past few weeks, a lot has happened that has made every Indian proud -- be it sports, science or culture. Recently, Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space was discussed a lot in the country. The moment Shubhanshu landed safely back on Earth, people jumped with joy. A wave of happiness spread across every heart. The whole country was filled with pride.”
“I still remember when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the moon... Even young kids now say, "We will also go to space, we will also land on the moon and become space scientists," he further added.
news