Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined India's strong commitment to fostering scientific inquiry and uplifting the intellectual capacity of children.  

Around 10 million kids are learning STEM concepts through hands-on activities at Atal Tinkering Labs, he said in a video address during the opening ceremony of the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.

"India believes in the power of collaboration, and this Olympiad reflects that spirit," Modi remarked, expressing his delight at electronically connecting with over 300 bright stars from 64 countries.

To overcome future problems and advance mankind, the prime minister urged young scholars and students to apply compassion and imagination.  

Modi confirmed that the sky is only the beginning for India, not the end.  He also emphasized that, thanks to a number of efforts, India leads the world in women's engagement in STEM fields. The prime minister emphasized that young people from all over the world are welcome to study, conduct research, and work together in the nation.

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Modi praised India's efforts in science, space, and technology, pointing out that Ladakh is home to one of the tallest astronomical observatories in the world.  He emphasized that the nation is proudly supporting international mega-science initiatives like LIGO India and the Square Kilometre Array.

Modi stated that India has set its sights on the sun with the Aditya-L1 solar observatory, noting that the nation was the first to successfully land close to the moon's South Pole.

He added that the government has introduced the One Nation, One Subscription program, which gives millions of students and researchers free access to reputable international journals, to promote democracy in knowledge access.

Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, highlighted the importance of science and technology in realizing Viksit Bharat and hailed the 64-nation involvement as an indication of international collaboration.  

 

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He emphasized India's contributions to astronomy, both past and present, as well as its developments in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors.  

Olympiads excite young minds and shape careers, according to Professor Ajit Kembhavi, a former vice president of the International Astronomical Union.  Professor Jayram Chengalur, the director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, emphasized the significance of international scientific unity as well as the contributions made by the institute.

With participation from every inhabited continent, IOAA President Prof. Aniket Sule praised the event's worldwide reach and expressed optimism that it will promote enduring friendships and future peace.  HBCSE professor Arnab Bhattacharya greeted guests and said that everyone is united by a common interest in the universe.  A procession of participating nations, cultural entertainment, and the introduction of the IOAA 2025 anthem were all included in the event.