So the tireless efforts of the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) scientists have yielded a handsome fruit: Chandrayaan -3 mission has made a successful journey to the south pole of the moon. Chandrayaan-3 landed after a 40-day journey starting from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. The high profile event is yet another indication of the ISRO’s remarkable work.
Remarkably, the space agency has been very confident right from day one regarding the mission’s reach to the destination. Having hoisted her flag on the moon, India has now written another chapter of glory and rise in the international arena. Before India, the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union have landed on the moon’s surface.
The successful landing of the mission will surely silence the country’s critics while it adds to the country’s soft power — India will now be seen as a space power— and boost the morale of its scientific community. Understandably more and more people will be inspired to studying science — a key requirement for a country’s growth and advancement.
In addition to this, the terrific triumph of Chandrayaan- 3 can help further explore and expand the knowledge of science and technology as interest to study this field may be sharpened. Most importantly, it will broaden knowledge about the moon’s South Pole. It is not out of place to point out that not much information is available about this side of the moon. India has created history as it became the first country to land on the South Pole of the lunar surface.
What is noteworthy is that since India’s independence in 1947 from the foreign yoke, she has achieved many a milestone. Challenges and hurdles notwithstanding. Deciding to go with a democratic polity and sustaining it against all odds, is an achievement. In fact, the democratic set up is going from strength to strength with the passage of time. Point to note is that the country witnesses a smooth transfer of power after completing a mandatory 5-year parliamentary term at the national level.
To defend her borders and to preserve her identity under the shadow of the hostile neighborhood, India has a glorious tale to tell; the launch of her own nuclear weapons has ostensibly played a useful hand in carrying the country to the gates of safety and security. In pursuit of her security, the country has fought some military wars with her immediate neighbours as well.
Pertinently, India can well boast of staying united despite her diversity in terms of religion, caste, languages and ethnicity. The national integrity attests to the fact the country’s leadership since independence arguably has largely prioritized national interest. True, time and again some forces have tried to destabilize and disintegrate the country but to no avail. The chief reason apparently being the vision and mission of the successive governments— read leadership.
Now the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Its soft landing on the moon has further enhanced the country’s image as a rising global power. The breakthrough, it is expected, will prove instrumental in strengthening the feelings of patriotism among people around India. Conclusively, India is presenting a powerful image of its progress in the field of science.
With Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s South Pole, the space scientists are looking forward to its perfect performance there. Clearly, even if dangerous, the south pole of the moon is of immense interest to countries. There is strong evidence that this side of the moon has the presence of the ice molecules in it .The presence of water could be of massive significance when it comes to future planetary explorations.
Interestingly, the country’s many political figures across the political spectrum have voiced happiness over the development, putting aside their political differences. This attitude by the political class is important for the country’s national level integrity and unity. Above all, this adds an apolitical angle to Chandrayaan-3 soft landing.
Most importantly, Chandrayaan-3’s perfect landing has added a golden chapter in the history of space exploration. With this India has entered the elite club of the countries leading in the domain of space study. Once the mission begins to work and explore the uncharted territory of the moon’s South Pole, India is likely to take a centre stage in the international comity of nations. The envoys of Israel, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia have heaped congratulatory wishes on India for landing on the moon.
(Author is RK columnist and teacher by profession. Feedback at: [email protected])
