Pokhran demonstrated India's nuclear prowess to the world: PM Modi on Mann ki Baat

In the 43rd edition of his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered teachings of Lord Buddha and shared the fact that the Pokhran-II nuclear tests were carried out 20 years ago on Lord Buddha's birth anniversary.

Identifying Pokhran as the accelerating factor in India's nuclear prowess in the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the tests "demonstrated India's might in the field of science and technology".

"On May 11, 1998, at India's western end a nuclear test was conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan. It has been 20 years since Pokhran and this test was done on Buddha Purnima with the blessings of Lord Buddha. India's test was not only successful but in a way, India had demonstrated its might in the field of science and technology. We can also say the date has been engraved in the history of India as a demonstration of its military power," Modi said in his monthly radio address "Mann Ki Baat".

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The Prime Minister pointed out that Lord Buddha had said that inner strength was necessary to live in peace and India, too, acquired nuclear strength to live in peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his 43rd edition of Mann ki Baat radio programme by congratulating Indian athletes and winners at the Commonwealth Games 2018.

He lauded the athletes for their "fantastic" performance and shared that women athletes at the CWG brought pride and laurels to the country.

In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of water conservation, clean environment and physical fitness.