A momentous day in the annals of history as India solidifies its position as a global leader in space exploration. The nation achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming the first country to successfully land its Chandrayaan-3’s Lander Module on the lunar surface’s South Pole. This remarkable achievement not only marks a significant milestone in India’s ambitious lunar exploration program but also elevates India to the esteemed position of being the fourth nation in the world to accomplish a successful lunar landing. On August 23, 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram lander touched down on the Moon’s surface, showcasing the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and groundbreaking technological prowess. This achievement is a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific and technological advancement, thereby contributing to humanity’s collective understanding of the cosmos.
In celebration of this historic victory, GD Goenka Public School Lucknow, in collaboration with CBSE Sahodaya Schools’ Complex Lucknow, orchestrated an open-to-all event aimed at providing a platform to witness this monumental event firsthand. The event featured a live telecast of Chandrayaan-3’s landing on a colossal projector screen. Alongside this, attendees had the privilege to engage in captivating talks delivered by renowned Astronomers and Astrophysicists. These discussions served as a conduit for meaningful conversations about the profound impact of space exploration on our nation’s scientific progress.The event also facilitated interactive sessions that fostered engaging discussions on the wonders of science and technology. This served as a golden opportunity to inspire and educate the upcoming generation about the marvels of space exploration while commemorating India’s extraordinary achievements in the realm of space research.
To enhance the experience for the students, the Labrynthe agency set up telescopes for lunar and planetary observations at GD Goenka Public School Lucknow on the event day. This provided students and attendees an exceptional chance to observe the Moon and planets up close, thereby deepening their comprehension of space’s mysteries. The event drew participation from more than 20 schools within the city, with numerous students attending alongside their parents. Distinguished school principals and educators also graced the event with their presence, uniting in support of India’s monumental accomplishment.
The presence of esteemed guests, including the Hon’ble District Magistrate of Lucknow, Shri Surya Pal Gangwar, further elevated the event. Shri Gangwar, in addressing the students, extended his warm congratulations on India’s lunar triumph and encouraged them to strive for excellence, just as the scientists at ISRO have, to bring pride to the nation. The atmosphere brimmed with exhilaration, with students expressing their joy and pride in this historic achievement. Shreya Verma, a student of class XI, articulated her feelings, saying, “It is unbelievable, we have become the first country to land on the South Pole of Moon. What an achievement! So proud of our country and team ISRO.”
Samriddhi Gulati, a seventh-grader, encapsulated the sentiment by saying, “We never knew that this Chandrayaan Mission 3 is so big until we watched it live and witnessed the efforts of the ISRO team. Our Prime Minister’s words encouraged us a lot…now Chanda Mama dur ke nahi..bas ek tour ke”. Yuvraj Singh, a twelfth-grade student and the Head-Boy of the school, expressed his immense pride in the nation and saluted the relentless dedication of India’s scientific community that has propelled the country to the forefront of global space research. Vivaan Mishra, a sixth-grade student, couldn’t contain his pride, exclaiming, “What a historic moment! We all were waiting with abated breath about the landing of Chandrayaan 3, and we have eventually succeeded. I also wish to be a scientist and make my country proud one day.”
Collectively, the atmosphere resonated with joy as everyone united to witness this extraordinary feat amidst the presence of eminent personalities. The cheers from the students reverberated through the air as Vikram Lander successfully touched down on the Moon. This event provided an epic experience for all attendees, emphasizing the importance of such experiences in enriching students’ knowledge and igniting their curiosity and passion for science and technology. This achievement not only marks a monumental moment for India’s space exploration endeavors but also inspires generations to come. As the country continues its journey into the cosmos, this historic achievement will stand as a beacon of India’s ingenuity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of human knowledge.
