India will observe August 23 as National Space Day. The development has been announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing Indian scientists and engineers after the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. India scripted history on August 23, when Vikram Lander touched the surface of Moon as per textbook precision. Modi arrived directly from Greece after attending BRICS summit in South Africa.
Addressing a massive number of scientists inside the ISTRAC complex, PM Modi disclosed that India hoisted its flag on the Moon on August 23. Hence, that day will be called National Space Day in India. The official PMO’s X handle also tweeted the information about the same. Modi also named the landing spot of the Vikram Lander as Shiv Shakti. He also named the Chandrayaan-2 landing spot as Tiranga Point. Interestingly, the Chandrayaan-1 landing spot was named Jawahar Point in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru by the then UPA government.
Modi added that the Shiv Shakti point will encourage future generations to utilize science. Moreover, the point can also be used to improve the well-being of humanity. He also appreciated the efforts of the whole team and said You took Make in India to the Moon. The Indian scientific community lauded the motivational speech by Prime Minister Modi by saying that his comments motivates them to work harder.
Commenting on the development, Nilesh M. Desai, the Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad revealed that PM Modi’s speech was very motivating. The National Space Day announcement was a big day for all Indian scientists. The naming of Vikram Lander Point as Shiv Shakti will enable engineers to rededicate their life for the country in the space segment.
Meanwhile, ISRO scientist/engineer Padmavathi talked to the media and said that naming of ShivShakti and Tiranga respectively for Chandrayaan-3 and Chandrayaan-2 landing spots is a step in the right direction. He gave a motivational talk, which will inspire them to work harder. She said that it’s their honour that Modi ji is our Prime Minister.
PM Modi was welcomed by ISRO Chairman S Somanath with a warm hug. He was accompanied by several team members who worked behind the success story of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He then snapped a group photo and talked into the podium after greeting engineers. Somanath gave an introductory talk before urging Modi to give his talk.
That said, August 23 will be celebrated as National Space Day all over India. We feel that people will remember that day and celebrate the historic soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. We are hopeful that schools and colleges will conduct special sessions to celebrate the event.
This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.
