PM Modi Inaugurates 10th India Mobile Congress, Spotlights Telecom Boom and Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Nana Patekar

Inaugurating the landmark 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted how affordable mobile data and indigenous smartphone manufacturing have dismantled generational social barriers across India. Emphasizing that mobile connectivity has grown far beyond basic telecommunication to become an essential instrument of transparent governance, digital education, and accessible healthcare, the Prime Minister detailed the decade-long policy turnaround that bridged the nation's digital divide. During his keynote address, PM Modi also paused to pay an emotional tribute to legendary actor Nana Patekar, who passed away earlier that morning in Goa, lauding his towering cinematic contributions and fierce devotion to the nation.Bridging the Divide: Mobile Phones as the Engine of Digital India and Good GovernanceThe Prime Minister underscored the structural policy shifts that transformed India from a digitally fragmented society into a global connectivity powerhouse:Eradicating the Elite Monopoly: PM Modi observed that a decade ago, access to cutting-edge digital technology was heavily skewed toward affluent demographics, threatening to widen inequality across the country.Smartphones Driving Mass Empowerment: Positioning the handheld smartphone at the epicenter of the Digital India movement, the government initiated sweeping telecom reforms, built out robust fiber backbones, and scaled domestic hardware assembly to democratize technology for every citizen.Delivering Public Services Directly: Reliable mobile internet has fundamentally transformed public service delivery, ensuring that virtual schooling, remote telemedicine, and direct benefit transfers operate uninterrupted even in remote hinterlands.Role of Domestic Manufacturing: The Prime Minister emphasized that intentional policy interventions in domestic telecom manufacturing turned India into a major mobile hardware producer, creating quality employment while drastically reducing device purchase costs for ordinary families.500 Million Strong: India's Rapid Emergence as a Global Gaming PowerhouseAddressing emerging trends in digital consumption, PM Modi turned the spotlight onto the exponential expansion of India's interactive entertainment ecosystem:Massive Youth Engagement: Government estimates indicate that over 500 million people (50 crore) across India are now actively participating in the digital gaming and interactive media sector.Grassroots Talent Driving Growth: Highlighting the demographic footprint of this boom, the Prime Minister noted that a significant portion of game developers, content creators, and players hail from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.Catalyst for Innovation: This grassroots participation is fueling a dynamic digital creator economy, demonstrating that affordable, high-speed mobile connectivity is unleashing entrepreneurial talent far beyond traditional urban tech hubs.'Like a Free Bird in the Skies of Cinema': PM Modi's Tribute to Nana PatekarTaking a poignant moment during the technology summit, Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over the passing of iconic actor and Padma Shri recipient Nana Patekar:Honoring a Patriotic Legacy: Mourning the stalwart's sudden demise, PM Modi remarked that Nana Patekar’s entire life stood dedicated to the dignity, honor, and glory of the national tricolor.Fearless Artistic Freedom: Describing his artistic stature, the Prime Minister noted that Patekar refused to be bound by commercial conventions, soaring like a free bird across the cinematic horizon through roles that confronted societal injustice and corruption head-on.Volcanic Screen Presence: The Prime Minister reflected that Nana was an authentic cinematic revolutionary whose fiery voice carried just as much dramatic impact as his profound on-screen silence, leaving an indelible imprint on millions of admirers worldwide.