PM Modi's gift to Ireland’s Prime Minister Mr Enda Kenny

Published By : Admin | September 23, 2015 | 17:58 IST
PM Modi gifts PM Enda Kenny of Ireland manuscripts and papers of two Irish officials
PM Modi presents a specially handcrafted piece of silver, marble and roughly hewn sandstone rock

The Prime Minister today presented Ireland’s Prime Minister Mr Enda Kenny reproductions of a selection of manuscripts and papers available in the National Archives of India pertaining to two Irish officials, Thomas Oldham (1816-1878) and Sir George Abraham Grierson (1851-1941), in recognition of their contributions in India.

Born in 1816 in Dublin, Thomas Oldham was appointed as geological surveyor in 1850 to conduct a geological survey in India and his services were placed with the then Government of Bengal. He assumed charge in March 1851 and his joining day is celebrated as the foundation day of the Geological Survey of India. Apart from conducting the first systematic coal mapping of India – and later initiating mapping of other minerals – he wrote extensively on the fossils of India.

Sir George A Grierson was an Irish civil servant and philologist who, starting 1898, conducted the first Linguistic Survey of India. The Survey was later published over several years during 1903-28. It was Grierson’s Linguistic Survey of India that provided the first scientifically based taxonomy of the Indo-Aryan languages within which the linguistic status of various forms of Hindi, Urdu and other Indo-Aryan speech forms could be based. The separation of Hindi into Western and Eastern dialect zones is the direct result of Grierson’s classification efforts. As a student of mathematics at Trinity College, Dublin, Grierson took prizes in Sanskritand Hindi. He went to Bengal in October 1873, where, in addition to carrying out his duties in a succession of government posts until 1898, he devoted much time to language research. Two of his most important works are Seven Grammars of the Dialects and Sub-dialects of the Bihari Language (1883 - 87) and Bihar Peasant Life (1885). The latter work, in addition to offering much linguistic information, describes the life, farming methods, and beliefs of the Bihar peasantry. In 1994, the Government of India instituted an award in his honour that is given to foreign scholars who have made significant contributions to Hindi.

In addition, the Prime Minister also presented a specially handcrafted piece of silver, marble and roughly hewn sandstone rock that imagines the Irish symbol of shamrock as a votive candle-stand or an aarti lamp, with a peacock perched by the side of shamrock leaves, along with silver-tipped crystal dewdrops signifying serenity and purity.

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Prime Minister extends greetings to everyone on National Technology Day
May 11, 2026
PM shares a Sanskrit Subhashitam highlighting Agni as the fiery essence that awakens immense power within the smallest particles of matter

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended greetings to everyone on National Technology Day.

The Prime Minister recalled with pride the hard work and dedication of the scientists, which led to the successful tests in Pokhran in 1998. He noted that the landmark moment reflected India’s scientific excellence and unwavering commitment.

The Prime Minister stated that technology has become a key pillar in building a self-reliant India. Shri Modi highlighted that it is accelerating innovation, expanding opportunities, and contributing to the nation’s growth across sectors. He emphasised that the continued focus remains on empowering talent, encouraging research, and creating solutions that serve both national progress and the aspirations of the people.

Reflecting on the historic milestone, the Prime Minister further noted that the nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran on this day in 1998 introduced the world to India's amazing capabilities. He lauded the scientists as the true architects of the country's pride and self-respect.

Sharing a Sanskrit Subhashitam, the Prime Minister noted that Agni is the supreme power of the heavens and the primary source of all energy on earth. This fiery essence awakens the immense power hidden within the smallest particles of matter and spreads energy and motion throughout creation.

In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister wrote:

"Greetings on National Technology Day. We recall with pride the hard work and dedication of our scientists, which led to the successful tests in Pokhran in 1998. That landmark moment reflected India’s scientific excellence and unwavering commitment.

Technology has become a key pillar in building a self-reliant India. It is accelerating innovation, expanding opportunities and contributing to the nation’s growth across sectors. Our continued focus remains on empowering talent, encouraging research and creating solutions that serve both national progress and the aspirations of our people."

"वर्ष 1998 में आज के दिन पोखरण में हुए परमाणु परीक्षण ने दुनिया को भारत के अद्भुत सामर्थ्य से परिचित कराया। हमारे वैज्ञानिक देश के गौरव और स्वाभिमान के सच्चे शिल्पी हैं।

अग्निर्मूर्धा दिवः ककुत्पतिः पृथिव्या अयम्।
अपां रेतांसि जिन्वति॥"

Agni is the supreme power of the heavens and the primary source of all energy on earth. This fiery essence awakens the immense power hidden within the smallest particles of matter and spreads energy and motion throughout creation.