Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru on Saturday, where he applauded the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The Prime Minister’s visit marked a historic occasion as he revealed that where the moon lander of Chandrayaan-3 landed will now be known as Shiv Shakti.
“In Shiv, there is resolution for the welfare of humanity, and Shakti gives us strength to fulfill those resolutions. This Shiv Shakti Point of the moon also gives a sense of connection with Himalaya to Kanyakumari”, said PM Modi. “Shiv Shakti Point of the Moon will bear witness to this scientific and philosophical thinking of India”, he added.
In addition, the Prime Minister stated that the point where Chandrayaan 2 left its footprints will now be called ‘Tiranga’.
Triumph of Chandrayaan-3: A giant leap for India’s space prowess
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi proclaimed August 23 as ‘National Space Day’, the day of the soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon. A celebration of science, technology, and innovation that will inspire generations to come. India has become the first country to land near the moon’s south pole and the fourth country after the erstwhile USSR, the U.S., and China to make a soft landing on the lunar surface.
Emphasising that India has become only the fourth nation to have a successful touchdown on the surface of the Moon, the Prime Minister said that the feat becomes more immense when we consider the humble beginnings of India’s space program. He recalled the times when India was considered a third-world country and did not have the required technology and support.
The Prime Minister said that the moment of the touchdown has become immortal in the consciousness of the nation. “The moment of touchdown is one of the most inspiring moments of this century. Every Indian took it as his or her own victory “, he said.
Asserting this unprecedented achievement, the Prime Minister said, “This is today’s India that is fearless and relentless. This is an India that thinks new and in a novel way, the one that goes to the dark zone and spreads light in the world. This India will provide solutions to the big problems of the world in the 21st century.”
From southern India to the south of the moon
Establishing a connection between ISRO’s location (Southern India) and the Chandrayaan 3 landing near the south pole of the moon, PM Modi said, ” “From Southern India to the South of the Moon, this was not an easy journey,” the Prime Minister said, and informed that ISRO even created an artificial moon in its research facility.
PM Modi’s address resonated with the nation’s youth, inspiring them to engage in scientific research and exploration. The Prime Minister also gave a task to the young generation of the country. He said, “I want the new generation to come forward to scientifically prove the astronomical formulas in the scriptures of India, to study them anew. In this Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, we have to explore this treasure too, do research on it, and also tell the world about it.”
A Vision for the Future
The growth of space-related startups illustrates the burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit in India’s space ecosystem. The Prime Minister referred to the estimates of the experts that India’s space industry will reach 16 billion dollars from 8 billion dollars in the next few years.
India’s space sector has evolved into a global benchmark for technological prowess and innovation. From launching satellites for communication and navigation to pioneering missions to explore the Moon and Mars, ISRO has consistently demonstrated its capabilities on the world stage.
As the ‘Shiv Shakti’ and ‘Tiranga’ points etch their mark on the moon, they stand as symbols of India’s progress, unity, and the promise of a brighter future.