In a momentous visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Centre in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his felicitations to the dedicated ISRO scientists for the successful descent of Chandrayaan-3’s lander on the Moon’s surface on August 23. This historic accomplishment prompted the Prime Minister to proclaim August 23 as the inaugural ‘National Space Day,’ an occasion to commemorate India’s strides in the cosmic realm.
Addressing the women scientists who were pivotal in the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, PM Modi accentuated the essence of resurrecting India’s reservoir of knowledge and scientific prowess, which he noted had been subjugated during the era of colonial rule. He underscored the imperative of unearthing this trove of expertise during the ‘Aazadi Ka Amrit Kaal.’
Anticipating the trajectory of India’s space sector, PM Modi shared projections indicating that the industry’s valuation is poised to ascend from $8 billion to a staggering $16 billion in the coming years. He extolled the contributions of women scientists, highlighting their instrumental roles in the Chandrayaan 3 mission and invoking the concept of ‘Shivkshakti’ as an inspiration for future generations.
Discussing the meticulous preparations behind the lunar landing, PM Modi revealed that an artificial Moon was erected at ISRO’s research facility to facilitate testing for a soft landing. He articulated that the lander’s success was unequivocal, as it passed rigorous trials before embarking on its lunar voyage.
The Prime Minister lauded the ‘Make in India’ initiative, drawing a parallel to the moon’s surface, thereby celebrating the domestic innovation that extended all the way to space exploration. PM Modi also unveiled the term ‘Tiranga Point,’ designating the lunar location where Chandrayaan-2 left its indelible mark in 2019.
Highlighting India’s unique approach, PM Modi described the nation as an ingenious entity that ventures into uncharted territories and diffuses light to dispel darkness. He acclaimed the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s surface as an unequivocal assertion of India’s scientific eminence in the cosmic expanse.
Notably, PM Modi underscored that this feat was far from ordinary—it resonates as a resounding proclamation of India’s scientific accomplishments in the limitless universe. Affirming that India’s identity has now etched itself on the Moon, he extolled the nation’s innovative spirit that pervades every facet of exploration.
This historic visit concluded with the announcement of ‘Shivshakti,’ a moniker attributed to the lunar landing site, signifying the vitality of strength and determination that propels India’s cosmic pursuits.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit was an ode to India’s burgeoning scientific strides, an affirmation of its prowess, and a celebration of the nation’s eternal quest for innovation in the realm beyond Earth.