In a prestigious ceremony, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was awarded the “Indian of the Year” Award for 2023 in the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ category. This recognition follows ISRO’s remarkable feat of successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s uncharted South Polar region, a first for India and a major milestone in space exploration.
The award highlights ISRO’s consistent drive to push the boundaries of space technology. The citation acknowledges how 2023 witnessed ISRO’s unparalleled resilience and prowess, culminating in the historic soft landing of Chandrayaan-3.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, while presenting the award, emphasized the mission’s significance. He lauded Chandrayaan-3 as not only a testament to India’s indigenous capabilities but also a remarkably cost-effective endeavor, completed within a budget of around Rs. 600 crores.
Dr. Singh attributed ISRO’s recent successes to the enabling environment fostered under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He pointed to the increased accessibility of space technology for the public, citing the overwhelming public turnout for both the Aditya launch and the Chandrayaan-3 landing. This engagement, he believes, has instilled a sense of ownership and national pride in these ambitious space missions.
The Minister also highlighted the burgeoning private space sector, with the number of startups increasing from just one to 190 after the sector’s opening up. This private investment of over Rs. 1,000 crore in the current financial year signifies a crucial pooling of resources that positions India as a frontline nation in space exploration.
Dr. Singh concluded by stating that Prime Minister Modi’s vision of India’s ascent to its full potential during the Amritkaal has already begun to take flight through advancements in space technology. ISRO’s recent successes, he believes, are a testament to this ongoing journey and will pave the way for even greater achievements in the years to come.
