India’s successful mission not India’s alone, belongs to all of humanity: PM Modi

Modi, who is in South Africa to attend the BRICS Summit, joined the ISRO team via video link to witness the landing.

“On this joyous occasion, I would like to address all the people of the world, the people of every country, and region. India’s successful Moon mission is not India’s alone. This is a year in which the world is witnessing India’s G20 presidency. Our approach of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ is resonating across the globe. This human-centric approach that we represent has been welcomed universally. Our Moon mission is also based on the same human-centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity,” he said.

Saying that it would help Moon missions by other countries in the future, Modi said: “I am confident that all countries in the world, including those from the Global South, are capable of achieving such feats. We can all aspire for the Moon and beyond.”

“This moment is unforgettable. This moment is unprecedented. This moment is the victory cry of a developed India. This moment is the triumph of the new India. This moment is about crossing the ocean of difficulties. This moment is about walking on the path of victory. This moment holds the capability of 1.4 billion heartbeats. This moment signifies new energy, new belief, and new consciousness in India. This moment is the call of India’s ascending destiny,” he said, calling it the “first light of success in the dawn of Amrit Kaal”.

“We took a pledge on Earth, and we fulfilled it on the Moon…. Today, we have witnessed the new flight of New India in space,” the PM said. “When we see such a history being made before our eyes, life becomes blessed. Such historical events become the eternal consciousness of a nation’s life,” he said.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Team Chandrayaan, ISRO, and all the scientists of the country who have worked tirelessly for years for this moment… Through the hard work and talent of our scientists, India has reached the South Pole of the Moon where no other country in the world has ever reached,” he said.

Later, Modi also called up ISRO Chairman S Somanath and congratulated him and his team. “Your name, Somanath, is akin to the Moon. Therefore, your family members too would be very happy today. I congratulate you and your team. Convey my greetings to all. I will meet you soon and congratulate you again,” he told him.

In his address, Modi said: “From today onwards, the myths associated with the Moon will change, narratives will change, and even proverbs for the new generation will change. In India, we refer to the Earth as our mother and the Moon as our ‘Mama’ (maternal uncle). It used to be said that ‘Chanda Mama is quite far away (Chanda Mama bahut door ke)’. Now a day will come when children will say, ‘Chanda Mama is just a tour away’.”

“India is repeatedly proving that the sky is not the limit,” said Modi. “We have set many big and ambitious goals for the future. Soon, ISRO will launch the ‘Aditya L-1’ mission for in-depth study of the Sun. Following that, Venus is also on ISRO’s agenda. Through the Gaganyaan mission, the country is diligently preparing for its first human spaceflight mission,” he said.

Saying that science and technology form the “foundation of a bright future” for the country, he said: “This day will inspire all of us to move towards a brighter future. This day will show us the path to fulfilling our resolutions. This day symbolises how victory is achieved by taking lessons from defeat.”