Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his first Mann Ki Baat of the year 2023 on Sunday. The 97th edition of Mann Ki Baat, the PM's monthly radio programme, aired at 11 am today. During his address to the nation, PM Modi referred to India as the 'Mother of Democracy. ' He lauded the Republic Day celebration that took place earlier this week. He also praised the Padma heroes who were honoured this year. PM Modi spoke on India's dream of "techade" PM Modi stated that domestic patent filings have outscored the country's foreign patent filings as he expressed confidence that India's dream of "techade" will be fulfilled on the strength of its innovators. This underscores the country's increasing scientific capabilities, he said in the first episode of 'Mann ki Baat' in the new year . Modi has in the past used "techade" to describe the decade being dominated by technologies and India making most of it. He said India's rank in patent filling is seventh globally while it is fifth in trademark registration. India's patent registration has risen by 50 per cent in the last five years, the prime minister said, noting that its ranking in the global innovation index has surged to 40 from below 80 in 2015. "I am confident that India's dream of techade will be fulfilled by its innovators and their patents," he said. The premier Indian Institute of Science had 145 patents in 2022 which is a rare record, Modi said. Modi urged citizens to read about 'Padma' awardees Modi urged the citizens of the country to read about the lives and stories of people who have been conferred with the prestigious 'Padma' Awards. He underlined that a sizeable number of Padma awardees came from tribal communities and people associated with tribal society. "Various people from tribal areas - painters, musicians, farmers, artisans - have been conferred the Padma awards. I urge all countrymen to read their inspiring stories. Many dignitaries who have worked on tribal languages like Toto, Ho, Kui, Kuvi and Manda have received these awards," PM Modi said during the 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme. "The tribal life is different from city life, it has the challenges of its own. Despite all this, tribal societies are always eager to preserve their traditions," he said. Modi further added that many great personalities who have worked on tribal languages like Toto, Ho, Kui, Kuvi and Manda have received Padma Awards. "It is a matter of pride for all of us and the fact that now the world would know them. People working with Siddi, Jarwa and Onge tribes have also been awarded this time," PM Modi pointed out. "This time among Padma awardees are those people who have expertise in spreading melody of our traditional musical instruments like Santoor, Bamhum, Dwitara. Ghulam Mohd Zaz, Moa Su-Pong, Ri-Singhbor Kurka-Long, Muni-Venkatappa and Mangal Kanti Rai are being discussed all around," he said. He also underlined the efforts of the North east people who are continuously thriving to preserve their culture and have been awarded with the Padma awards. Padma Awards - the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given, every year on the Republic Day, in various disciplines and fields of activities such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service. 'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of high order and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field. About PM Modi's address of 2022's last Mann Ki Baat Earlier, on December 25, 2022, PM Modi addressed the 96th episode of Mann Ki Baat. In his last Mann Ki Baat of 2022, PM Modi said the country had become the world's fifth-largest economy in 2022. .