"For far too long when India was referred to, it was spoken of as a third-world country and I hated it. Today I am proud to say India is the first world in more ways than one." the megastar Amitabh Bachchan wrote on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, and spoke for all Indian hearts beating across the globe, swelling with pride over the moon.
Marking the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's south pole, the Indian Union cabinet on Tuesday announced August 23 will be celebrated as 'National Space Day'. Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been highly anticipated by the global scientific community and space enthusiasts. In a display of unity and support for India's ambitious space mission, the Indian Diaspora in the United Kingdom (IDUK Group) came together to organise a Havan ceremony to pray for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. The event, held on 23 August, saw over 50+ diaspora members gathered to offer their heartfelt prayers and witness the live broadcast of this historic event.
The Havan ceremony, a traditional Hindu ritual of offering prayers and sacrifices to the divine, was conducted with deep reverence and devotion at the Slough (London) in the UK. Participants included members of the Indian diaspora in the UK, space enthusiasts, and individuals who share a strong connection to India's remarkable achievements in space exploration. The event commenced with the lighting of the sacred fire, followed by Vedic chants and offerings to invoke the blessings of the divine for a safe and successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of hope, pride, and anticipation as attendees watched the live broadcast of the mission.
Speakers at the event expressed their admiration for the dedication and scientific prowess of ISRO and its commitment to advancing space exploration. They also highlighted the importance of such missions in inspiring future generations and fostering international cooperation in the field of space exploration. The IDUK Group, the organisers of the Havan ceremony, stated, "Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to India's growing capabilities in space technology. We are proud to come together as a community to offer our prayers for its successful landing and to celebrate India's achievements in space exploration."
The event served as a platform for prayer and reflection and an opportunity for the Indian diaspora in the UK to strengthen their bonds and celebrate their shared cultural heritage. It showcased the power of unity and solidarity among communities with roots in India. As Chandrayaan-3's journey continues, the Indian Diaspora in the UK remains hopeful and optimistic about its success. The event served as a reminder that science and spirituality can come together to inspire and unite people from diverse backgrounds.
Reacting to the success of Chandrayaan-3, Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said, “This is exciting news, not just for India, but also for the whole world. All of these things are steps for all mankind and we in the UK, we’re very pleased and wish India every success in the world on this phenomenal achievement.”
A matter of unparalleled and undeniable pride for India
Lord Raj Loomba CBE told the newsweekly, “I am profoundly happy to congratulate ISRO, the Indian Government and the 140 crore people of India on the occasion of the landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the South Pole of the Moon. It’s indeed a matter of unparalleled and undeniable pride for India as no other country has succeeded in landing on the South Pole of the Moon so far. I, being a person of Indian roots, am immensely proud as well.”
India joins World Elite Club
Lord Rami Ranger CBE, Chairman, Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK told Asian Voice, “India became the first country to land on the south pole of the moon and in the process, made history. India has also made a special place in the world by joining the elite club of just four nations that have reached the moon. India's Moon missions, such as Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, now Chandrayaan-3 offer huge benefits to the world, especially developing countries.
“These missions have advanced our understanding of the Moon's geology, mineral composition, and surface characteristics. These missions also contribute to technological advancements in space exploration, boost national prestige, and foster international collaboration. Additionally, they inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in science and engineering and can lead to innovations with applications beyond space exploration.
“The Indian space program is helping poorer countries to put their weather and communication satellites in orbit. Thus bringing benefits to those who would have been left behind, because of the enormous cost associated with such a mission by the countries like America, Russia and China.
“Finally, the most important fact about Indian missions is that they cost a fraction of the cost that is normally associated with such missions. In fact, India’s mission has cost less than the Hollywood movie ‘Interstellar’. Indians are now literally over the moon. Jai Hind.”
Potential of India in shaping the twenty-first century
Lord Dolar Popat, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo told us, “The landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon was a historic moment for India - and the British Indian diaspora at large. It reflected the tremendous progress that India has made on the global stage as a world superpower. In the run-up to the G20, the landing demonstrates the sheer potential that India has in shaping the twenty-first century, particularly in science, research and innovation. This is just the first step in a line of other significant milestones.”
The Indian Express has left the station
Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL said, “I was privileged to speak and participate at the B20 in Delhi this month. In his excellent speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India’s festive season had been ‘preponed’ by the celebration worldwide of India’s amazing and pioneering achievement of successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the moon. “This remarkable achievement was all the more incredible achieving it at the amazingly low cost of just $75 million. As a Zoroastrian Parsi, it gives me great pride that the famous Cambridge-educated scientist Dr Homi Bhabha, known as the father of India’s nuclear programme, played an important role in the birth of India’s space programme. Many congratulations to India on this amazing feat, something that creates aspiration and pride for every Indian in India and around the world, and a milestone which reaffirms India’s path as an emerging superpower. The Indian Express has left the station, India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and I predict that by 2060, India will be the largest economy in the world.”
Lord Paul remembers Dr Abdul Kalam
Lord Swraj Paul said, “Chandrayaan-3’s historic moon landing is a proud moment for India, I am very proud of this achievement that India has become the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole and the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon after the United States, China and Russia.” He recalled, “I must remember my great friend former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, a very distinguished world-renowned scientist who made an immense contribution to India. All of us Indians are very proud of the achievements for which he was responsible. I had the pleasure of presenting him with an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton in 2007.”
Lord Paul also recalled the time in 2004 when Kalam gave a reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi to celebrate his son's marriage. He said, “May God look after him. Due to his great efforts, India is on the way to becoming the superpower of space.”
High Commission of India in London celebrates Chandrayaan-3
A grand 'India Day' celebration was held in London to celebrate India’s 77th Independence Day as well as the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission. The event was held at the Navnat Centre in London and the people of the Indian diaspora took part in the celebration in huge numbers.
Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and several prominent members of the Indian diaspora attended the event. Speaking to media persons, Indian High Commissioner Doraiswami said there is so much to be proud of in 76 years of India’s history, and particularly the last decade, in which so much has been achieved. He added the role of the Diaspora is central to India's success globally.
Team High Commission in London joined 1.4 billion Indians in witnessing the historic moment. The successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon. HC Vikram Doraiswami tweeted, “ISRO scripts history: #VikramLander touches down near the Moon's South Pole! What a moment! Sare Jahan Se Achcha.... so proud of #India and our scientists @isro. Truly women and men in 1 billion. And a nice moment to have this famous first name!”
