India (Commonwealth Union)_ August 23, 2023, was a landmark in India’s history as the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) etched its mark in history with the successful execution of the soft landing phase of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. Commending this accomplishment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India has formulated a multitude of objectives with the imminent launch of the Aditya L1 Mission by ISRO to investigate the Sun. Having triumphed in this mission, ISRO Chief S Somanath extended his regards to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who virtually participated from Johannesburg, South Africa. Somanath jubilantly declared, “Sir, we have achieved a soft landing on the MOON. India is on the Moon.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded this achievement as a monumental moment, underscoring that the Mission Moon marks the onset of an advanced India. He underscored the unparalleled nature of this achievement, emphasizing that no other nation had thus far accomplished a landing on this particular side of the Moon. Modi conveyed that this remarkable feat would not only reshape existing lunar narratives but also reorient perspectives about our celestial neighbor.
According to Modi, the seed of this aspiration was sown on Earth, and its realization has been etched on the lunar soil. He said that the nation has ambitious plans for the future, with the Aditya L1 Mission poised to unravel the enigmas of our Sun. In extending his felicitations, he recognized the unwavering dedication of Team Chandrayaan, ISRO, and the scientific community, whose relentless toil across eras culminated in this triumphant moment. He said, “We conceived the dream on Earth and realized it on the Moon. We have set numerous significant goals for the future. ISRO will soon launch the Aditya L1 Mission to observe and study the Sun”. He added, “The world will remember us for this day, and it will also illuminate the path for further accomplishments. This day also teaches us how to triumph after experiencing failure”.
Embarking on its lunar odyssey on July 14, Chandrayaan-3 has now solidified India’s position as the fourth country, alongside the United States, Russia, and China, to have achieved the challenging feat of a successful soft landing on the Moon. Echoing this triumph, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “Our mission was founded on a human-centric approach, and this triumph belongs to humanity. I am confident that all nations across the world have the potential to attain such remarkable achievements.”
Amid his participation in the BRICS Summit in South Africa, Modi asserted that his unwavering attention was devoted to the Chandrayaan-3 Mission. He articulated that each Indian heart resonates with jubilation at this milestone, sparking festivities in every household, and that his connection with every citizen of our nation is profound. The PM said, “Every Indian is rejoicing in this achievement, and celebrations have ignited in every household. I am deeply connected to every citizen of my country”.
Predicting a new era of lunar stories for future generations, Modi drew a heartwarming analogy. In India’s cultural context, the Earth is endearingly referred to as “Maa” or mother, while the Moon is fondly known as “Maama” or maternal uncle. Modi envisioned that gone are the days when the Moon was seen as distant; but now, the future holds the promise of children sharing tales of lunar voyages. The PM said, “Previously, we used to describe the Moon as distant. Now, a day will come when children will talk about touring the Moon”.
Emphasizing the global significance of India’s successful lunar voyage, Modi elucidated that this accomplishment transcends national boundaries. He also highlighted that the year coincides with India’s G-20 presidency, a juncture spotlighting India’s influential role on the world stage. Overall, Modi’s trademark statement of “one Earth, one family, one future” resounds globally, encapsulating the essence of India’s overarching approach.
