Congratulations Bharat and ISRO

Vikram Lander of Chandrayaan 3 successfully landed on the South Pole of the Moon today at about 6.03 pm. What a proud moment for all Indians and ofcourse to the rock star space scientists at ISRO.

The Indian Space Research Organisation is truly world class …. it has proven its mettle yet again. In my opinion, this landing marks the re-starting of Bharat’s space travel. We have done it many thousands of years ago and we will do it again. It’s just in our genes.

At 5 pm I sent a message to my brother at Peelamedu Anjaneyar Temple, Coimbatore requesting a special Archanai (loose and somewhat accurate translation prayers) for Anjaneyar so that he ensures Chandrayaan’s safe landing. Narayana Bhattar sent me this pic and Amma was thrilled … so long as Hanuman has our Tricolour in his hands, success is assured.

Then at home, I lit the lamp as always and made Thiratipal as naivedyam (prasad in Hindi) and chanted my favourite Vishnu Sahasranamam’s verse –

श्रीराम राम रामेति, रमे रामे मनोरमे । Sri Rama Rama Raameti, Rame Raame Manorame ।
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं, रामनाम वरानने ॥ Sahasra-Nama Tat-Tulyam, Raama-Naama Varanane ॥

The meaning is “By meditating on Bhagwan Ram’s name, the mind is absorbed in His divine consciousness. Just Rama’s name is equal to the 1000 names of Vishnu.”

I had a call later and we all congratulated each other as though we personally ensured the landing. It’s actually very personal. It’s emotional and hugely inspiring.

There were spontaneous celebrations across the country. Everybody was over the moon (yes, pun intended).

Anand Ranganathan captures the mood of the nation along with facts in his tweet –

What a historic day ! I want to remember two people on this day – the first is Dr. Nambi Narayanan. It’s his Vikas Engine that flew the Vikram Lander all the way. What should have been accomplished 20 years back is at least happening now. Thank You Dr. Nambi Narayanan. Do read Life Review – Ready to Fire.

The other person I want to remember is Dr. Sivan, the former Chairperson of ISRO. He was there today to watch Chandrayaan 3 land successfully and was grinning ear to ear. Here’s the pic that captures the essence of PM Modi as a leader and the spirit of ISRO. When Chandrayaan 2 did not have a soft landing, Dr. Sivan broke down… and PM Modi’s gesture will be remembered forever. This are two leaders at the peak of their careers being supportive of each other !

Upwards and onwards ISRO !!! You have the space and its your time to fly high.

Thank you for giving all of us a historic moment. Still emotional and grinning ear to ear. Thank You.

Jai Hind.