In a monumental step, India has chosen to commemorate its space achievements by designating August 23 as 'National Space Day.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement during his visit to the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, where he celebrated the triumph of Chandrayaan-3 and lauded the extraordinary efforts of ISRO scientists.
PM Modi also unveiled new names for significant lunar landmarks, reflecting the nation's pride and accomplishments in space exploration.
During his address to the ISRO scientists, PM Modi credited them for awakening an entire generation and leaving an indelible mark on young minds.
He applauded their dedication and hard work, stating, "You took 'Make in India' to the moon." This acknowledgment resonates with India's commitment to technological innovation and self-reliance.
In a symbolic move, PM Modi revealed the names for two crucial lunar landmarks. The spot where the Vikram lander touched down will now be known as 'Shivshakti.' This name not only signifies the strength and determination of India's space endeavors but also reflects the nation's cultural heritage.
Additionally, the crash landing site of Chandrayaan-2 has been named the 'Tiranga point,' honoring the Indian tricolor that left its mark on the lunar surface in 2019.
Following his return from a diplomatic visit to Greece and South Africa, PM Modi's visit to the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru held immense significance.
He expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the ISRO team for Chandrayaan-3's successful touchdown on August 23. The Prime Minister's presence and warm reception underscored the nation's pride in ISRO's achievements.
While attending the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa, PM Modi virtually joined the ISRO team to witness the historic landing of the Vikram lander on the Moon.
Despite being miles away, he celebrated this achievement alongside the scientific community, demonstrating his unwavering support for India's space endeavors.
PM Modi was personally received by ISRO Chairman S Somanath, and their warm embrace encapsulated the joy of a successful lunar landing. Together, they unveiled the names of the lunar landmarks and celebrated the culmination of the ambitious lunar landing mission.
The Prime Minister also posed for a group photograph with the dedicated team of scientists responsible for this remarkable feat.
During his visit, PM Modi was briefed on ISRO's 40-day journey to the lunar South. This insight into the intricate planning and execution of the mission further underscored the nation's achievements in space exploration.
The visit served as a platform to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the entire ISRO team.
India successfully landed Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface on August 23, 2023.
The lander touched down in the southern hemisphere of the moon, near the South Pole.
The mission was a major milestone for India's space program.
It was the country's third lunar mission and its first successful soft landing on the moon.
The success of Chandrayaan-3 is a source of pride for India and has inspired a generation of young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
India is committed to exploring space and making new discoveries.
The country has a number of ambitious space exploration plans for the future, including sending a human mission to the moon by 2024.
Here are some additional facts that are worth mentioning:
The name "Shivshakti" was chosen to commemorate the Hindu god Shiva, who is associated with power and strength.
The name "Tiranga Point" was chosen to commemorate the Indian flag, which is known as the "Tiranga".
The success of Chandrayaan-3 has boosted India's reputation as a leading spacefaring nation.
The mission has also given India a valuable platform for scientific research on the moon.
India's future space exploration plans are ambitious and have the potential to make significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Conclusion
The declaration of August 23 as 'National Space Day' stands as a tribute to India's remarkable strides in space exploration. PM Modi's visit to the ISRO headquarters, his interaction with the scientists, and the unveiling of new lunar landmark names have solidified the nation's commitment to advancing its space program.
As India continues its journey into the cosmos, the accomplishments of Chandrayaan-3 and ISRO's scientific prowess will be remembered as a beacon of national pride.