Key Takeaways
- The ISRO scientists successfully soft‑landed the Vikram Lander on the Moon’s South Pole.
- Chandrayaan-3 landing site was christened Shivshakti by Prime Minister Modi.
- April 23 has been declared National Space Day to commemorate the achievement.
Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with Chandrayaan-3 team and other ISRO scientists after Vikram Lander successfully landed on the uncharted South Pole of the Moon.
By doing this, India became the first country to soft land on the South Pole of the Moon.
An almost tearful PM Modi addressed ISRO scientists and was briefed about the updates on Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover, that landed softly on the lunar surface.
He also named Chandrayaan-3 landing point as Shivashakti and Chandrayaan-2 point as Tiranga. PM Modi also announced that April 23 will be celebrated as National Space Day.
He also said, “I was in South Africa but my mind was with the scientists.”
In a choked voice, PM Modi further added, “I first wanted to meet the scientists ….”
He said this is the new Bharat that spreads light across the world. “This is today’s Bharat on full blown display. This is Bharat that thinks new. This is that Bharat that spreads light across the world. India will lead the solutions for the world. I keep reliving every second before touchdown. That moment of touchdown is unforgettable. Moment of touchdown is eternal for India.”
PM Modi said Chandrayaan’s success is not only the success of India, but also it is the success of humanity once again.
“I want to congratulate all scientists, technicians and all of you who are part of this mission,” he said.
Earlier, the Chandrayaan-3 team demonstrated the soft-landing of Vikram and rolling out of Pragyan (rover) from its belly.
ISRO Chairman S Somnath updated the Chandrayaan-3 mission to PM Modi.
After landing in Bengaluru from South Africa where he attended the 15th BRICS meeting, addressed people chanting “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan.”
He said the picture which he saw at Bengaluru, is the same picture he saw in Greece and Johannesburg as well.
He added, “It’s really surprising that you all are here and even kids are also here too early in the morning.”
Local performers were seen dancing and playing dhol on the streets in front of HAL airport.
People were seen excitedly waving the national flag and posters made for the PM’s arrival and to celebrate the over-the-moon success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
After the US, China and Russia, India achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fourth country to achieve a successful Moon landing.
The mission was launched on July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre situated in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
