Congratulations have poured in from across the world as India's Vikram Lander makes a successful soft landing on the Moon on Wednesday at 6:04 pm. President of India Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation after the moon landing and said it was "truly a momentous occasion".
The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota Andhra Pradesh by Indian Space Research Organisation. After a journey of 40 days, the lander reached the surface of the moon.
How did the political circle react?
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on Wednesday after the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission was observed by the world. She said, "
A video captured from Johannesburg in South Africa where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen speaking to ISRO chief S Somanath on the phone. PM Modi congratulated Somnath and his team for their success and he said that he would soon meet the team in person.
ISRO chief S Somnath after the landing addressed the country from the control room, he said, ""This is the work of a generation of ISRO leadership and scientists. This is a journey we started with Chandrayaan-1, continued with Chandrayaan-2, and all the team that contributed to building Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 should be remembered and thanked while we celebrate Chandrayaan-3."
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar told PTI, "This is a moment of pride for every Indian. We have accomplished a very complex mission, which only a few countries in the world can do."
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal posted a congratulatory message on X in Hindi, he said, "This is a historic moment! It is a big achievement for the country. Many congratulations to all the countrymen, scientists, engineers and employees of ISRO for the success of Chandrayaan-3."
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told PTI, "It is a very proud moment for every Indian. This is a big step for India and it has sent a very strong message at the international level."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X, "India becomes the first nation to touch the south pole of the moon with the success of the #Chandrayaan3 Mission. The new space odyssey flies India's celestial ambitions to newer heights, setting it apart as the world's launchpad for space projects. Unlocking a gateway to space for Indian companies, it will create a plethora of employment opportunities for our youths."
Congress leader Shahi Tharoor shared his reaction on the occasion, he said, "And we did it for less than half the budget of the Hollywood space movie "Interstellar"! ISRO has made space accessible to the Global South. And PM Modi is right to say India's achievement is for all of humanity. That's the right spirit and the right message to convey: not Indian triumphalism but India's all-inclusive vision for the world."
The official X handle of Congress shared a statement by chief Mallikarjun Kharge and the post said, "An elated nation with 140 crore aspirations witnessed today yet another achievement in its six-decade long space programme."
West Bengal Chief Minister wrote in a post on social media, "Our scientists have testified the country's scientific and technological progress. India is now in the super league of space. Sincere congratulations to all the proud architects and stakeholders of the expedition."
How did the celebrities react?
Bollywood celebrity Shah Rukh Khan made a post on Instagram where he quoted his own film song, "Chaand Taare todh laoon….Saari Duniya par main chhaoon. " while he rhymed it with the landing, added, "Aaj india aur #ISRO chhaa gaya." Further Khan wrote, "Congratulations to all the scientists and engineers…the whole team which has made India so proud. Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon."
Indian rapper Badshah took to X to speak about the landing, he wrote, "Aa gayi ghadi hai dekho sabse badi, Hai humse bas do kadam pe dekho jeet khadi!"
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar on a social media post wrote, "A billion hearts saying THANK YOU ISRO. You've made us proud. Lucky to be watching history. India is on the moon, we are over the moon. #Chandrayaan3."
Board of Control for Cricket in India on their official X handle posted a video of the Indian men's cricket team witnessing the Chandrayaan-3 landing on the live stream from Dublin. The post said, "Witnessing History from Dublin! The moment India's Vikram Lander touched down successfully on the Moon's South Pole"
