The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scripted history on Wednesday as the Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four.
Political leaders cutting across partyline congratulated the space agency on the successful mission, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a moment to cherish forever.
"India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the 'Chandra Path'," he said.
"India's successful moon mission is not India's alone...Our approach of one earth, one family one future is resonating across the globe...Moon mission is based on the same human centric approach. So, this success belongs to all of humanity," Modi said.
BJP president J.P. Nadda hailed ISRO scientists and lauded Prime Minister Modi's leadership for Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the moon, asserting the world now recognises India as a power in space technology.
India is creating new feats of success under Modi's leadership and carving a unique identity for itself, he said and described the success of the mission as true to the mantra of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
"The success was not possible without Modi's tireless efforts and the immense ability of our scientists. It is a historic and unprecedented achievement," Nadda said.
The Congress party said the achievement of ISRO is a saga of continuity, and is truly fantastic and a matter of pride.
“Success of Chandrayaan-3 is collective success of every Indian,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said. “An elated nation with 140 crore aspirations witnessed today yet another achievement in its six-decade long space programme.”
In a long post on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge said India’s space accomplishments are a testament to the vision of country’s first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.
“We are deeply indebted to the remarkable hard work, unparalleled ingenuity and unflinching dedication of our scientists, space engineers, researchers and everyone involved in making this mission a triumph for India,” he said.
"Sky is not the limit," said Union Minister Jitendra Singh as he lauded the space scientists on the successful mission.
"...While the world fantasises about the moon, we have actually felt the moon...the world dreams of the moon, and we have seen the dream getting converted into reality…sky is not the limit," he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 as a powerful display of capabilities and power of new India.
“Under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership and guidance, ISRO scientists did what no one could do. Moon's south pole was impossible for the world until now, but our visionary scientists have made it possible. With the pure emotion of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, I congratulate all the scientists of ISRO and greetings to the nation for this success,” he said.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated the space scientists on the successful mission and said: "Arey Waah, Maza aa gya! Look, the Moon has came more closer to us. It's a moment of joy as Tiranga gets hoisted on Moon. After landing on the Moon succcessfully Chandrayaan-3 is reflecting India's presence on the Lunar surface. On this great occasion, I express gratitude towards ISRO and its scientists as we have got this achievement owing to their skills, courage and brilliance…”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 as historic.
"This is historical. It is a big achievement for the country. It is a matter of pride for all of us. Many congratulations to all the countrymen, scientists, engineers and employees of ISRO for the success of Chandrayaan-3. Bharat Mata Ki Jai," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener said in a post on X.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who watched the Chandrayaan-3 landing from his official residence 'Varsha' in south Mumbai, said it was a moment of pride for every Indian.
"It demonstrates the success of all scientists," the CM said.
NCP president Sharad Pawar said Chandrayaan-3 was India's most important attempt in space exploration.
"Chandrayaan-3's success has given confidence to the scientific community. It will will make the whole world proud along with our country. Best wishes to all the scientists and fellow Indians. May such innovative experiments of ISRO continue to fly into space!," Pawar wrote on X
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel hailed ISRO scientists and country's people for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. "Our scientists have created history by making this difficult mission successful," he said in a statement.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called this the beginning of the 'Amrit Kaal' for development of space science under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Patel extended his best wishes to ISRO scientists for the success of the Moon mission.
