Modi Urges India’s Space Scientists To Stay Steady and Look Ahead, the Best Is Yet To Come

Sept. 7, 2019 (EIRNS)—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at Mission Control of the India Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the descent of India’s lunar lander, Vikram, when all communication with the lander was lost just minutes before it was to complete its soft landing at the South Pole, where no country had gone before. Some six hours later, Modi was back at Mission Control, to address the Chandrayaan-2 team and the nation. The Prime Minister spoke to the sober-faced team, his encouragement and leadership awakening some smiles, and occasional applause. One such moment of applause followed his spirited reminder that “the best is yet to come in our science program”; another, to his reminder that “India is with you.”

After he spoke, the Prime Minister walked up and down the rows of computer consoles and standing people, proudly shaking the hand of every scientist, technician and engineer present.

Modi spoke mostly in Hindi, with the following section in the middle in English, reproduced here in its entirety:

“Sisters and brothers of India, my scientists friends, for the last few hours the entire nation was awake. We were awake in solidarity. In solidarity with our scientists who had embarked on one of the most ambitious missions of our space programs.

“We came very close, but we will need to cover more ground in the times to come. Every Indian is filled with a spirit of pride as well as confidence. We are proud our space program and scientists, their hard work and determination. [They] ensure a better life, not only for our citizens, but also for other nations.

“It is the outcome of their innovative dream that several people have got access to abetter quality of life, including better healthcare and education facilities. India is certain that there will be many more opportunities to be proud and rejoice. Thanks.

“At the same time, we are full of confidence that when it comes to our space program, the best is yet to come.”

“There are new frontiers to discover and new places to go. We will rise to the occasion and scale newer heights of success.

“To our scientists I want to say, India is with you. You are exceptional professionals who have made an incredible contribution to national progress. You have given your best always, and will give us several more opportunities to smile.

“True to your nature, you entered into a place where no one has ever been before. You came, as close as you could. Stay steady and look ahead. I also salute the families of our space scientists. Their silent but valuable support remains a major asset.

“Sisters and brothers of India, resilience and tenacity are central to India’s ethos. In our glorious history of thousands of years we have faced moments that may have slowed us, but they have never crushed our spirit. We have bounced back again, and gone on to do spectacular things. This is the reason our civilization stands tall.

“My dear friends, as important as the final result, is the journey and the effort. I can proudly say that the effort was worth it, and so was the journey. Our team worked hard, traveled far and those teachings will always remain with us. We will look back at the journey and effort with great satisfaction. The learnings from today will make us stronger and better. There will be a new dawn and a brighter tomorrow very soon.”