In a remarkable moment underscoring India’s scientific prowess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant announcement during his visit to the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru. Addressing the dedicated scientific community of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), PM Modi unveiled the names of two lunar landmarks, emblematic of India’s strides in space exploration.
Shiv Shakti Point: Symbolizing Strength and Resilience
During this landmark occasion, the Prime Minister revealed that the specific location on the lunar surface where Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander executed a flawless touchdown would henceforth be christened as ‘Shiv Shakti Point’. This choice of nomenclature transcends the realm of mere words, encapsulating not only the relentless dedication of the mission’s scientists but also the empowerment of women scientists who played an instrumental role.
The appellation ‘Shiv Shakti’ encapsulates the profound spiritual and philosophical fabric of India, epitomizing attributes of strength, unwavering determination, and an unyielding resolve to push the frontiers of space exploration. This achievement represents more than just a scientific milestone; it is a testament to India’s unity and diversity, spanning from the towering Himalayas to the southernmost expanse of Kanyakumari.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that this landmark accomplishment propels India onto the international arena as a formidable contender in 21st-century space exploration. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon’s south pole stands as a triumph of ingenuity, showcasing ISRO’s remarkable capabilities and its pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of future space exploration.
Tiranga Point: Embodying Progress and National Pride
In a poignant acknowledgment of India’s evolutionary journey from a developing nation to a spacefaring power, the site where Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram lander left an indelible mark on the lunar terrain is now christened as ‘Tiranga Point’. This moniker not only evokes the imagery of India’s iconic tricolor flag but also encapsulates the essence of the nation’s transformation and aspirations.
Prime Minister Modi drew a heartfelt parallel between the geographical location of ISRO’s base in Southern India and the strategic significance of landing in the Moon’s southern hemisphere. Just as the challenges of this lunar feat were surmounted, India’s trajectory of growth and progress has been similarly momentous. The Prime Minister urged the nation’s youth to delve into scientific inquiry and explore the rich astronomical knowledge enshrined within ancient Indian scriptures, thus bridging the chasm between tradition and modernity.
National Space Day: A Catalyst for Inspiration
In an additional momentous proclamation, Prime Minister Modi declared that August 23, the day of Chandrayaan-3’s triumphant landing, would be commemorated annually as National Space Day. This day, dedicated to celebrating the realms of science and technology, is poised to fuel the spirit of inquiry and exploration for forthcoming generations, nurturing curiosity and fervor for space exploration among India’s burgeoning youth.
To conclude, the pronouncements made by Prime Minister Modi at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network carry profound import. The designations ‘Shiv Shakti Point’ and ‘Tiranga Point’ extend beyond being mere markers on the Moon’s surface; they stand as symbols of India’s odyssey, unity, resilience, and growth. These landmarks serve as a reminder that the cosmos is not a constraint but a canvas for our limitless explorations.