Narendra Mod’s inspiring speech on the historic successful insertion of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) into Martian orbit 

Text of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address on the historic successful insertion of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) into Martian orbit 

History has been created today. We have dared to reach out into the unknown. And have achieved the near impossible. I congratulate all ISRO scientists, as well as all my fellow Indians, on this historic occasion. 
 
Travelling a mind-boggling distance of more than 650 million, or 65 crore kilometres.We have gone beyond the boundaries of human enterprise and imagination. We have, accurately navigated our spacecraft, through a route known to very few. 

And, we have done so, from a distance so large; that it took even a command signal from Earth, more time to reach it, than it takes sunlight to reach us. 

The odds were stacked against us. Of the 51 missions attempted across the world so far, a mere 21 had succeeded. 

But we have prevailed! 

With today’s spectacular success, ISRO joins an elite group of only three other agencies worldwide, to have successfully reached the red planet. 

India, in fact, is the only country to have succeeded in its very first attempt. We put together the spacecraft in record time, within a mere 3 years of first studying its feasibility. 

Built it indigenously, in a pan-Indian effort stretching from Bangalore to Bhubhaneshwar, and Faridabad to Rajkot. 

Used a smaller rocket and payload to reduce the cost, even while increasing the complexity of an already challenging mission.

And launched it on our very own PSLV launch vehicle. These are all accomplishments that will go down as landmarks in history. Uncertainty is a part of the journey of every explorer who seeks to push boundaries. 

The hunger of exploration and the thrill of discovery are not for the faint-hearted. 

Innovation, after all, by its very nature involves risk; as you are trying to do something which has not been done before. It’s a leap into the dark. Humanity would not have progressed, if we had not taken such leaps into the unknown. And space is indeed the biggest unknown out there. 

No one represents this zeal for exploring the unknown more, than our space scientists here at ISRO. 

Through your brilliance and hard work, you have made it a habit of achieving the impossible. 

You have developed self-reliance across critical domains, often in the face of hostile circumstances. 

Every generation of your scientists, has groomed the next home-grown lot 

Through your achievements, you have honoured our fore-fathers, and inspired our future generations! You truly deserve all the love and respect you get from a grateful nation! 

We Indians are a proud people! 

Despite our many limitations, we aspire for the best. 

The success of our space program is a shining example of what we are capable of as a nation. 

Our space program has been an example of achievement, which inspires the rest of us to strive for excellence ourselves. 

Moreover, space exploration requires cutting-edge expertise across diverse disciplines. A successful space program thus generates applications across multiple domains. 

Our efforts in particular, have historically focussed on the ultimate objective of nation-building. Of translating space technology into space applications. 

Delivering the fruits of this farthest frontier to the remotest corners of the country. Deepening our governance, strengthening our economy, and improving our lives. 

We also have a great legacy and responsibility to live up to. Our ancestors had helped the world understand the mysteries of the heavens. 

Grasp the idea of Shunya or nothingness. 

Map spatial knowledge; such as the rotation of the Earth, motion of planets and occurrence of eclipses. 

Modern India must continue playing this leading role of ‘Jagad-guru Bharat’. 

My dear friends! 

Let me conclude by saying that in contrast with the linear nature of Western philosophy; there is no absolute ‘beginning’ or ‘end’ in our Eastern understanding of the cosmos. 

There is only a continuous, unending cycle of dispassionate, detached perseverance. 

Atal ji’s vision had inspired us to reach for the moon. 

The successful Chandrayan mission, in turn led to the Mars Orbiter Mission. 

This too, must become but a base for challenging the next frontier – of an inter-planetary mission. 

Let today’s success, only drive us with even greater vigour and conviction. Let’s set ourselves even more challenging goals. And strive even harder to achieve them. 

Let us push our boundaries. And then, push some more! 

“Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action … Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”