PM Modi Discusses Kalpakkam Reactor Milestone, Census 2027,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lauded the country’s nuclear scientists for enhancing India’s pride with the Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieving Criticality. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Mr Modi said Criticality is the stage during which a reactor successfully attains a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction for the first time. This stage signifies the reactor entering the operational phase.

Prime Minister Modi termed this a historic milestone in India’s nuclear energy journey. He highlighted that the nuclear reactor is built entirely using indigenous technology. He elaborated that in addition to generating energy, the Breeder Reactor also produces new fuel for the future.

Prime Minister Modi also spoke about the power of wind energy, saying that this power is propelling India forward. He was pleased to note that India has recently achieved a major milestone in wind energy. India’s wind energy generation capacity has now exceeded 56 gigawatts. Mr. Modi underlined that in the last year alone, nearly 6 gigawatts of new capacity have been added. He said India is progressing rapidly in wind energy, ranking fourth in the world in wind energy capacity. Mr Modi highlighted that many States in the country, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, are blazing a trail in this sector.

In today’s episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the ongoing Census campaign. He said every Indian must be aware of the Census campaign, which is the world’s largest census. Mr Modi elaborated that the Census 2027 has been made digital and all information is being recorded directly in digital form. The enumerators going door-to-door have a mobile app to enter all the information. The Prime Minister noted that the Census has been made easier this time, wherein people can enter their information themselves.

Mr Modi said the month of May is beginning on a pious note with Buddha Purnima being celebrated on the first of May. He extended his best wishes to all, saying that the message of Lord Buddha remains as relevant today. He said Buddha’s teachings have become even more important amid the tensions and conflicts the world is going through today. The Prime Minister spoke about an organisation in Chile, South America, which is promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the success of the Northeast in the Bamboo sector. He elaborated that what was once viewed as a burden is now giving new impetus to employment, business, and innovation. According to British law, Bamboo was defined as a tree, and the rules associated with it were very strict. Mr Modi said that it was very difficult to transport Bamboo anywhere, and people started moving away from Bamboo-related businesses as a result.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that Beating Retreat is an important part of the festivities of the Republic Day. He said this ceremony showcases the diverse musical traditions of different bands. Mr Modi noted that over the past few years, the inclusion of Indian music has increased, which is being liked by people across the country..

The Prime Minister also shared that the National Archives of India has digitised and made public over 20 crore invaluable documents. He highlighted that these documents include 7th-century Gilgit manuscripts written on Bhoj Patra, and an interesting 8th-century text, Siribhoovalay.

Prime Minister Modi exuded pride that two Indian cheese brands have received prestigious awards at an international cheese competition held in Brazil. He noted that a major change is taking place in India’s dairy sector and Indian cheese is making its mark globally. He cited the example of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kalari cheese, which is known as the “Mozzarella of Kashmir.”

The nation will celebrate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary on the 9th of May on the occasion of ‘Pochishe Boishakh’. Mr Modi paid tributes to Gurudev Tagore, saying he was a multifaceted personality who shaped many renowned institutions. He said Gurudev Tagore advocated for industries that provided sustainable employment and benefited villages. (UPDATED ON 26TH APRIL 2026)