Mumbai: While addressing ISRO scientists in Bengaluru on Saturday, PM Narendra Modi declared that August 23 will be celebrated as ‘National Space Day’. On August 23, Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the Moon, making India the first country to achieve a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole
PM Modi arrived in the city directly from Greece, where he was on a one-day visit.
“On 23rd August, India hoisted the flag on the Moon. From now onwards, that day will be known as National Space Day in India”, said PM Modi.
PM Modi further stated that the location of Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landing will be called as “Shivshakti” while addressing the scientists at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network Mission Control Complex.
The location where Chandrayaan-2’s footprints were imprinted on the lunar surface will be referred to as “Tiranga.” This will serve as motivation for all of India’s efforts. We shall be reminded that no failure is irrevocable, the PM remarked.
“Women scientists were essential to the success of Chandrayaan 3. Future generations will be motivated to employ science for human benefit by this “Shivkshakti” argument. The wellbeing of people is our first priority,” he continued.
PM Modi landed in Bengaluru early in the morning to meet with the ISRO team of scientists who were responsible for the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission’s success.
PM Modi received a bear embrace and a pat on the back from ISRO chairman S Somanath as soon as he entered the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex.
PM Modi had previously stated that he could not contain his joy regarding the achievement of the Chandrayaan-3 mission when speaking to his supporters at the HAL airport.
The prime minister explained his early arrival in Bengaluru by saying, “I could not stop myself as I was not in the country, but I decided to visit Bengaluru first and meet our scientists right after visiting India.”
As he didn’t want to bother them, PM Modi remarked, “I requested Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Governor not to come this early in the morning.”
In order to honour the scientists, Prime Minister Modi sang “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan” during his speech in front of HAL Airport.
Local artists were seen dancing and playing dhol on the streets in front of HAL airport as PM Modi was welcomed warmly in Bengaluru. Several people could be seen jubilantly waving the national flag and banners created to welcome the PM and commemorate the accomplishment of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
“It is a proud moment for us because this is a very big achievement…We are here to welcome PM Modi as he is visiting Bengaluru to meet scientists of the ISRO team involved in the Chandrayaan-3 Mission,” one of the people present there said. India scripted history on Wednesday becoming the only country to soft-land on the South Pole of Moon.
India is also the fourth country – after US, Russia and China – to achieve a successful moon landing.
The spacecraft was launched on July 14 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre situated in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
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