India's Moon mission: PM Modi declares August 23 as National Space Day

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that August 23 will be celebrated as National Space Day to mark Chandrayaan-3's landing on the Moon.

Modi also announced that the touchdown spot of the Vikram lander on the lunar surface would from now onwards be known as the ‘Shivshakti’ point while the Chandrayaan-2 Lunar landing point will be called the ‘Tiranga’ point.

“This will be an inspiration for every effort made by India. it will remind us any failure is not final," Modi said.

A visibly emotional Modi addressed scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro) command centre in Bengaluru, who were involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission and lauded them for their efforts.

"On August 23rd, India hoisted the flag on the Moon. From now onwards, that day will be known as National Space Day in India," said Modi.

"Today, I am very feeling a new kind of happiness among you," a beaming PM added.

"Such kind of happiness... these are very rare occasions when the whole body and soul is drenched in happiness," he said while addressing the scientists at Isro’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru.

He said the scientists had taken the Make In India initiative to the Moon, referring to the boost to indigenous productions due to Chandrayaan-3's success.

During the Moon-landing, Modi was on a two-nation visit to South Africa and Greece but he said his mind was completely with the scientists.

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