Along with the multiple prayers in India, Indian students and research scholars in London also organised a special prayer at the Adya Shakti Mataji Temple for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon.
And, all their prayers were answered as the Vikram Lander made its touchdown, making India the first nation to land near the Moon's south pole. Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module (LM) – made up of lander Vikram and rover Pragyaan – is now on course for deployment to start sending unprecedented data.
The Indian National Students’ Association (INSA) UK said: “As Indian students organisation in the UK, we're immensely proud of India's pursuit of scientific excellence and its potential to reshape lunar exploration.
“We at INSA believe that ISRO's success will not only install confidence but also inspire a new generation of Indians to think big and achieve with perseverance.”
British Indian think tank 1928 Institute hailed the historic chapter in India’s space exploration journey.
“This pioneering and courageous journey is a giant leap in our quest for deeper knowledge of the cosmos. The findings from this mission will exponentially propel our understanding of the Lunar South Pole and it is truly amazing that India is the first country to achieve this,” it said in a statement.
Diaspora outfit INSIGHT UK was equally ecstatic about the achievement: “This incredible achievement is a testament to the talent and dedication of ISRO's scientists, engineers, and support staff.
“Landing a spacecraft intact on the lunar surface is no easy feat, but the team at ISRO worked tirelessly to develop, test, and validate the systems that made this historic moment possible. The data and observations gathered by Chandrayaan-3 will provide valuable insights into the origins and geological makeup of the Moon and beyond.
“As the ISRO continues to push forward the frontiers of space science and exploration, you are an inspiration to your country and the world. Your accomplishments fuel humanity's quest for knowledge and innovation.”
Besides the UK, in Virginia, US, members of the Indian diaspora performed a havan at a temple for the mission's successful landing.
Chandrayaan-3 created history by landing on the uncharted south pole of the Moon on August 23. India becomes only the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China, but India is now the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole.
MORE LIKE THIS…
The south pole of the Moon holds special promise in the search for water ice. The surface area that remains in permanent shadow there is huge, and scientists say it means there is a possibility of water in these areas.
(With ANI Inputs)