'Rakhi from Earth to Chanda Mama': PM Modi lauds ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission in Greece

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on August 25, congratulated Indians in Greece for the successful Moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and for India's new status as the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole. While addressing the Indian diaspora in Athens, he metaphorised the Chandrayaan-3 mission as a Rakhi for the Moon which has been sent by mother Earth for the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

"We have been hearing this since our childhood days, that the Moon is also called 'Chanda Mama'. You must have seen, some people are sharing pictures regarding Chandrayaan-3 that our mother Earth has sent Chandrayaan for Rakhi," PM Modi said. "And look how gracefully and respectfully the Moon preserved the dignity of that Rakhi," he further said. 

"The festival of Rakhi is also approaching. I offer my best wishes to you for the festival of Raksha Bandhan," the PM said. 

PM Modi also asked the Indians in Greece if they are being congratulated for the successful Moon landing. "By hoisting the tricolour on the Moon, India has proved its potential to the world. The congratulations are pouring in from across the world. The people are sending their well wishes, and I'm sure you all must be getting them too. The entire social media is filled with congratulatory messages," he further said. 

Chandrayaan-3's successful Moon landing

The Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission landed near the lunar South Pole at 6:04 pm IST on August 23. Just a few hours later, the six-wheeled Pragyan rover rolled out to the lunar surface to begin the exploration mission which would last for 14 Earth days. The rover is equipped with two instruments - LIBS and APXS - to measure the elemental composition of the lunar soil whereas the lander has three instruments - ILSA, RAMBHA and ChaSTE - for the seismic, thermal and atmospheric investigation of the Moon.