The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scripted history on Wednesday as the Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four.
Political leaders cutting across partyline congratulated the space agency on the successful mission, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a moment to cherish forever.
“India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the ‘Chandra Path’,” he said.
“India‘s successful moon mission is not India’s alone…Our approach of one earth, one family one future is resonating across the globe…Moon mission is based on the same human centric approach. So, this success belongs to all of humanity,” Modi said.
“Sky is not the limit,” said Union Minister Jitendra Singh as he lauded the space scientists on this successfulo mission.
“…While the world fantasises about the moon, we have actually felt the moon…the world dreams of the moon, and we have seen the dream getting converted into reality.sky is not the limit,” he said.
The Congress party said the achievement of ISRO is saga of continuity, and is truly fantastic and a matter of pride.
“Success of Chandrayaan-3 is collective success of every Indian,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said. “An elated nation with 140 crore aspirations witnessed today yet another achievement in its six-decade long space programme.”
In a long post on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge said India’s space accomplishments are a testament to the vision of Jawahar Lal Nehru “who emphasized and sincerely believed that a critical commitment to science could drive the spirit of development of our newly independent nation by igniting the spirit and minds of the people.”
“We are deeply indebted to the remarkable hard work, unparalleled ingenuity and unflinching dedication of our scientists, space engineers, researchers and everyone involved in making this mission a triumph for India,” said the Congress chief.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 as a powerful display of capabilities and power of new India. “Under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and guidance, ISRO scientists did what no one could do. Moon’s south pole was impossible for the world until now, but our visionary scientists have made it possible. With the pure emotion of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, I congratulate all the scientists of ISRO and greetings to the nation for this success,” he said.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated the space scientists on the successful mission and said: “Arey Waah, Maza aa gya! Look, the Moon has came more closer to us. It’s a moment of joy as Tiranga gets hoisted on Moon. After landing on the Moon succcessfully Chandrayaan-3 is reflecting India’s presence on the Lunar surface. On this great occasion, I express gratitude towards ISRO and its scientists as we have got this achievement owing to their skills, courage and brilliance.”