India is
celebrating its maiden National Space Day today on August 23, 2024,
on the one-year anniversary of the successful moon landing of ISRO's Vikram Lander
from Chandrayaan-3 on August 23, 2023. India made history on August 23, 2023,
by becoming the fourth nation to successfully land on the Moon and the first to
reach its southern polar region. To commemorate this monumental achievement,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 23 as "National Space
Day."
National Space Day: Theme and significance
The theme of this year's National
Space Day (is "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space
Saga." This theme reflects India's extraordinary journey in space
exploration and its impact on society. The celebrations will feature a series
of events showcasing India's significant milestones in space, the societal
benefits of its space program, and the countless opportunities available for
people to engage with and contribute to the nation's space endeavours.
National Space Day 2024 is a time
to celebrate the wonders of the universe, the incredible achievements of
astronauts and space scientists, and the unyielding human spirit that pushes
the boundaries of exploration. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on our
progress in space exploration and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Space exploration has been one of humanity's greatest achievements, marking our
journey from curious observers of the night sky to active explorers of the cosmos.
The bravery and dedication of astronauts and space scientists have made this
possible. On National Space Day, we honour these pioneers who dared to venture
into the unknown, expanding our knowledge and understanding of the universe.
Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned Indian
scientist, is often referred to as the "father of the Indian space
program. One of his famous quotes: "There are some who question the
relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity
of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically
advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned
space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role
nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the
application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and
society."
