Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that August 23 will be celebrated as National Space Day to mark Chandrayaan-3's landing on the Moon.
Modi also announced that the touchdown spot of the Vikram lander on the lunar surface would from now onwards be known as the ‘Shivshakti’ point while the Chandrayaan-2 Lunar landing point will be called the ‘Tiranga’ point.
“This will be an inspiration for every effort made by India. it will remind us any failure is not final...," Modi said.
A visibly emotional Modi addressed scientists at the Indian Space Research organisation's command centre in Bengaluru, who were involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission and lauded them for their efforts.
"On August 23rd, India hoisted the flag on the Moon. From now onwards, that day will be known as National Space Day in India", he said.
"Today, I am very feeling a new kind of happiness among you," a beaming PM added.
"Such kind of happiness... these are very rare occasions when the whole body and soul is drenched in happiness," Modi said while addressing the scientists at ISRO’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru.
He said the scientists had taken the Make In India initiative to the Moon, referring to the boost to indigenous productions due to Chandrayaan 3's success.
The PM said he was on a two-nation visit to South Africa and Greece but his mind was completely with the scientists.
He said that he wanted to salute the scientists as soon as possible. "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," he said as the scientists cheered and broke into applause.
"...I can see before my eyes every second of that day of August 23..." Modi said recalling the final 15 challenging minutes of the Chandrayaan-3.
"I salute your dedication. I salute your patience. I salute your hard work. I salute your inspiration," he added.
The prime minister was accorded a warm reception as he arrived at the ISRO headquarters this morning.
He met the team of scientists involved in the country's third lunar mission -- Chandrayaan-3 and enveloped ISRO chief Somanath in a hug.
India entered record books as the first country to successfully place a lander on the unexplored lunar South Pole on Wednesday evening.
