In an extraordinary feat of technological prowess and national pride, India's Chandrayaan-3 mission has etched its name in history as it successfully landed a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan on the moon's uncharted southern polar terrain.

This historic landing underscores India's advancements in space technology and contributes to the country's growing reputation as a global economic, diplomatic, and technological powerhouse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, beaming with pride, hoisted the Indian flag high during the momentous landing, remarking, "Chandrayaan-3's triumph mirrors the aspirations and capabilities of 1.4 billion Indians."

As the landing reached its culmination, Modi declared the occasion as "the moment for new India".

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led the successful mission. The challenging south pole landing opens doors for future lunar missions, given the potential availability of resources such as ice for fuel, oxygen, and water.

“India is on the moon,” said S. Somanath, chief of ISRO, as the Chandrayaan-3 landed, making India the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon after the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union.

According to a statement from ISRO, the spacecraft is the result of a collaborative effort, involving a vast array of experts from nearly all ISRO centres and contributions from external partners.  

“No member of the team, including its leader, is greater than the team. Team leaders need not and cannot be experts in all the disciplines but the leader ensures to bring the best in each.”

The world joined in celebrating India's accomplishments, with scientists, officials, and citizens expressing their joy through applause, cheers, and dance. As India assumes the G-20 presidency this year, its achievements, including this lunar landing, are resonating globally with the theme of unity and shared aspirations.