Prime Minister Narendra Modi designated August 23 as ‘National Space Day’ to celebrate Chandrayaan-3’s success. He praised ISRO scientists for their achievements and unveiled symbolic names for lunar landmarks. During a visit to ISRO, Modi interacted with scientists, virtually witnessed the Vikram lander’s triumph, and highlighted India’s determination to inspire future space exploration.
In a momentous declaration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed August 23 as ‘National Space Day’ in honor of the resounding success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Speaking before a devoted congregation of ISRO scientists in Bengaluru, PM Modi not only attributed their extraordinary accomplishments but also underscored their role in galvanizing an entire generation, leaving an indelible imprint on young minds.
Extolling the brilliant minds steering India’s victorious lunar quests, PM Modi lauded, “You have propelled ‘Make in India’ all the way to lunar landscapes.”
As part of the festivities, the Prime Minister unveiled symbolic monikers for the pivotal landmarks of India’s lunar odyssey.
The spot where the Vikram lander gracefully alighted will now officially bear the name ‘Shivshakti’, commemorating Chandrayaan-3’s triumphant touchdown. This announcement was made during his discourse at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru.
Moreover, he divulged that the site where Chandrayaan-2 left its indelible mark will henceforth be christened the ‘Tiranga point’. The Prime Minister paid homage to the historic instant in 2019 when Chandrayaan-2 left its imprint on the lunar expanse. He significantly attributed a chunk of the lunar journey’s success to the women scientists at ISRO.
PM Modi’s Visit to Bengaluru and ISRO Headquarters-:
To personally extend his felicitations on the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander, PM Modi promptly embarked on a visit to Bengaluru. This visit came on the heels of his return from diplomatic engagements in Greece and South Africa. The reception at the ISRO headquarters was marked by warmth and exuberance as he arrived on a Saturday morning.
During his sojourn, PM Modi interacted with a dedicated contingent of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation, pivotal in steering the mission to fruition. Notably, while participating in the 15th BRICS Summit from South Africa, PM Modi virtually witnessed the historic instant of the Vikram lander’s lunar touchdown. S. Somanath, the Chairman of ISRO, personally extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister and celebrated his presence, culminating in a heartfelt embrace that mirrored the elation of the successful lunar mission.
In the spirit of camaraderie and accomplishment, PM Modi posed for a collective photograph alongside the team of scientists instrumental in the victorious endeavor. Subsequently, he received an overview from S. Somanath regarding ISRO’s 40-day journey to the lunar South Pole.
