Bengaluru, Aug 26 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bengaluru on Saturday to meet and congratulate the scientists of the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO).
After arriving at the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) airport, Modi while addressing thousands of people gathered to welcome him, said that not only in India, but every individual in the world who believes in science and the future is celebrating the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission with the same spirit.
"It is good to see the environment in Bengaluru at the dawn to celebrate the success of the science and achievement of the country. I witnessed similar kinds of pictures in Greece and Johannesburg. Every corner of the world not only Indians, people who believe in science, future of the humanity are celebrating the event with the same spirit," the Prime Minister added.
Pointing at the huge gathering of people, Modi said: "You came so early, I couldn't stop myself as I was away when Chandrayaan-3 mission turned successful. I had resolved, that when I come to India, I will first visit Bengaluru and congratulate the scientists."
"This is not the time for the speech. I am eager to meet the scientists. I thank Bengaluru and its people for celebrating the success of the mission even at this moment. Children have also come for the celebration. This is the future of India," he added.
The landing point of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission would be known as “Shiv Shakti Point”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at ISRO here on Saturday.
While the Chandrayaan-2 landing failure spot will be called “Tiranga point", the day of touchdown of the Vikram Lander on the Moon (August 23) will be celebrated as the “National Space Day” in the country, he added.
Prime Minister Modi made the announcements while addressing the gathering of scientists at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) at the ISRO Command Centre.
“India has decided to name the touchdown point where Vikram Lander made a soft landing on the Moon as “Shiv Shakti Point”. The word “Shiv” stands for the welfare of humanity. “Shakti” stands for the required strength to get going to achieve the welfare of humanity,” he stated.
The Moon’s Shiv Shakti point will be a symbol of unity from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari. The Shiv Shakti Point will inspire future generations in the direction of the use of science for the welfare of humanity, he underlined.
PM Modi further stated that earlier it was decided to name the point of the Chandrayaan-2 mission. But after the failure, a decision was taken to announce the naming after achieving the soft landing on the Moon and declare at once. “Tiranga (tricolour) is afloat on every home, in every heart and now on the Moon. What else could be the name of the point? The point on the Moon where Chandrayaan Mission-2 left traces would be called “Tiranga”.
The Tiranga Point will serve as an inspiration. It will be a symbol that will tell failure is not an end. It will also be a testimonial to the fact that if you are committed success is guaranteed. The Chandrayaan-3 Mission has inspired the whole generation and imbibed spirit. Every child who seeds the Moon will have the spirit of achievement inside him, he maintained.
“Hindustan (India) will celebrate the day of soft landing on the Moon as the National Space Day on Aug 23 every year. On the National Space Day science, technology and innovation will be celebrated and it is going to inspire us,” PM Modi explained.
Upon his arrival at ISRO this morning, the Prime Minister was extended a warm welcome by Chairman of ISRO S. Somnath, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) Director B.N. Ramakrishna and U.R. Rao Satellite Centre Director S. Shankaran.
PM Modi greeted the three scientists with a hug and patted their backs.
Later, he posed with them for clicks.
According to sources, PM Modi will interact with scientists for 45 minutes at the ISRO.
Taking to his social media handle, he posted “Landed in Bengaluru. Looking forward to interacting with our exceptional ISRO scientists who have made India proud with the success of Chandrayaan-3! Their dedication and passion are truly the driving forces behind our nation’s achievements in the space sector.”
Modi also thanked Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for making the requisite arrangements.
After raising the slogan of "Bharat Mata ki Jai", the Prime Minister also raised the slogans of "Jai Vigyaan' Jai Anusandhan".
Thousands of people gathered on either side of the road to welcome Prime Minister Modi. All of them held Indian tricolour and cheered for the Prime Minister.