Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a heartfelt letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who is scheduled to return to Earth early Wednesday after spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In his letter, Modi extended an invitation for Williams to visit India after her return.

The letter, dated March 1, was sent through former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino and later shared on social media platform X by Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.

India Prays for Sunita Williams’ Safe Return

Modi expressed deep admiration for Williams’ contributions to space exploration and conveyed India’s prayers for her good health and success.

“Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission,” wrote Modi.

Invitation to Visit India

The prime minister extended a warm invitation for Williams to visit India, calling her “one of its most illustrious daughters.”

“After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host you,” he said.

Recalling Past Encounters

Modi recalled his 2016 meeting with Williams and her late father Deepak Pandya during his visit to the United States. He also mentioned a recent conversation with Mike Massimino in New Delhi, where they spoke about Williams’ remarkable achievements.

“During the course of our conversation, your name came up, and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you,” he shared.

Recognition on Global Platforms

Modi further revealed that he had inquired about Williams’ well-being while meeting former US Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden during his official visits to the United States.

“1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Your perseverance and fortitude continue to inspire us all.”

Personal Touch

The prime minister also mentioned Williams’ mother, Bonnie Pandya, expressing that she must be eagerly waiting for her daughter’s return.

“I am sure that Deepakbhai’s blessings are with you as well,” he added.

In closing, Modi extended warm regards to Williams’ husband, Michael Williams, and reiterated that the entire nation looked forward to welcoming her to India.

New Delhi, March 2025: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday emphasized the need to transform the Delhi Vidhan Sabha into a model Assembly and encouraged newly-elected MLAs to enhance their skills with modern technology tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Inaugurating a two-day orientation programme for Delhi MLAs at the Vidhan Sabha, Birla highlighted the high expectations of the people from their legislators and the newly-formed government.

Delhi: A ‘Mini India’ with a Big Responsibility

Birla described Delhi as a “Mini India,” representing the country’s diversity in languages, cultures, and religions. He stated that legislators bear the responsibility of addressing public concerns through infrastructure development and social welfare initiatives.

“The orientation programme will equip MLAs with the skills necessary to meet these expectations and serve the people effectively,” he said.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The inaugural session was attended by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Leader of Opposition Atishi, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, and Delhi’s MPs.

Use of AI and Technology in Legislative Business

Birla urged MLAs to actively participate in legislative discussions, emphasizing that a good orator is also a good listener. He stressed the need to leverage AI for capacity building and efficiency, allowing for better communication and governance.

“The Delhi Assembly should be developed as a ‘model’ Assembly with maximum use of technology and skill enhancement of its members to improve legislative processes,” he said.

Training Programme for MLAs

The Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) is conducting the orientation programme, offering insights into parliamentary rules and legislative practices.

Birla encouraged the new members to learn legislative drafting and utilize available legislative resources to enhance their effectiveness in governance. He urged them to adopt innovative approaches in addressing constituency issues while upholding transparency, honesty, and accountability.

Legislative Debates and Consensus Building

Highlighting the importance of constructive debate, Birla stated that the Assembly should function as a platform for discussion and consensus-building. While disagreements may arise, he emphasized the need to avoid legislative deadlocks and focus on solutions for Delhi’s development over the next five years.

Delhi Election Results

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in Delhi after securing 48 of the 70 Assembly seats in the February elections. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 22 seats, forming the opposition in the House.

Birla concluded by encouraging MLAs to dedicate themselves to public service and use modern governance tools to enhance efficiency and accountability.

Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has contributed approximately ₹400 crore in taxes to the government over the past five years, reflecting a surge in religious tourism, Trust Secretary Champat Rai stated on Sunday.

He detailed that the amount was paid between February 5, 2020, and February 5, 2025, with ₹270 crore paid as Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the remaining ₹130 crore under various other tax categories.

Ayodhya’s Boom in Religious Tourism

Ayodhya has witnessed an unprecedented tenfold increase in the number of devotees and tourists, transforming it into a major religious tourism hub. This growth has significantly boosted local employment and economic activity, Rai noted.

• During the Maha Kumbh, 1.26 crore devotees visited Ayodhya.
• In the last year alone, the city recorded 16 crore visitors, with 5 crore devotees visiting the Ram Temple.

Financial Transparency & Auditing

Rai assured that the Trust’s financial records undergo regular audits conducted by officials from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), ensuring complete transparency in its operations.

Kokrajhar, Assam – Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday addressed the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), highlighting its crucial role in establishing peace, development, and progress in the region.

Acknowledging ABSU’s Contribution
Shah emphasized that without ABSU’s involvement, the Bodo Accord would not have been possible, nor would peace have been established in Bodoland. “ABSU is advancing education, empowerment, and development. Thanks to its efforts, students can now take their exams up to the 12th grade in the Bodo language, ensuring its recognition and preservation for generations to come,” he said.

Implementation of the BTR Peace Agreement
Criticizing the Opposition for undermining the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) peace agreement signed on January 27, 2020, Shah stated, “Today, 82% of the agreement’s conditions have been fulfilled. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the central government will ensure 100% implementation in the next two years, bringing lasting peace to the region.”

He also highlighted key developments under the agreement, including the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire BTR area on April 1, 2022.

Economic Growth and Industrial Development
Shah pointed out that Bodoland’s economic potential is gaining recognition through initiatives like the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) program. “The mushroom from Kokrajhar, now known as ‘Mushroom from Bodoland,’ is featured on hotel menus in Delhi, thanks to the peace established in the region,” he noted.

The Home Minister also praised Bodoland’s ability to host the prestigious Durand Cup tournament and encouraged Bodo athletes to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, which India aspires to host.

Honoring Upendra Nath Brahma
Paying tribute to Bodo leader Upendra Nath Brahma, Shah announced that a major road in Delhi would be named Bodopa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg. Additionally, in early April, a bust of Brahma will be unveiled in Delhi to honor his legacy.

Boosting Industry and Job Creation
He stated that over a dozen products from Bodoland have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, fostering an industrial environment across the BTR region. “Earlier, Bodoland was associated with unrest and separatism, but now, education, development, and industry are shaping its future,” he said.

The central and Assam governments have allocated ₹1,500 crore for Bodoland’s development, despite its relatively small population of 3.5 million.

Rehabilitation of Former Militants
Highlighting peace efforts, Shah revealed that ₹287 crore has been spent on rehabilitating 4,881 former members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) in Assam, with 90% of the funds provided by the central government.

He also commended Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for recruiting 400 Bodo youths into the Assam Commando Battalion. “The government has signed agreements with nine insurgent groups in Assam, integrating over 10,000 youths into the mainstream,” Shah added.

A New Era for Bodoland
“Where bullets once flew, today Bodo youth are waving the tricolor, sending a powerful message of peace to the nation,” he said.

Emphasizing the cultural significance of the Bathou religion, Shah described it as a profound spiritual tradition rooted in the five elements—fire, air, earth, sky, and water. He assured that both the central and Assam governments are committed to the region’s holistic development.

In his concluding remarks, he urged Bodo youths to focus on education and assured them of unwavering government support in their journey toward a peaceful and prosperous future.