After the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) scripted history with the launch of Chandrayaan 2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota, several leaders took to Twitter to salute the space agency’s prowess and congratulate Indians for pushing the boundaries of science.
Among those who tweeted congratulatory messages was Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
Special moments that will be etched in the annals of our glorious history!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 22, 2019
The launch of #Chandrayaan2 illustrates the prowess of our scientists and the determination of 130 crore Indians to scale new frontiers of science.
Every Indian is immensely proud today! pic.twitter.com/v1ETFneij0
He added a couple of minutes later:
Efforts such as #Chandrayaan2 will further encourage our bright youngsters towards science, top quality research and innovation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 22, 2019
Thanks to Chandrayaan, India’s Lunar Programme will get a substantial boost. Our existing knowledge of the Moon will be significantly enhanced.
The President, Ram Nath Kovind, also joined hands with those posting messages on Chandrayaan 2:
The historic launch of #Chandrayaan2 from Sriharikota is a proud moment for all Indians. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers for furthering India's indigenous space programme. May @ISRO continue to master new technologies, and continue to conquer new frontiers
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 22, 2019
Isro, it seems, has made many fans after the successful launch of the moon mission. Shah Rukh Khan congratulated the team at Isro:
Chaand Taare todh laoon. Saari duniya par main Chhaoon! To do that requires hours & hours of painstaking work & integrity & belief. Congratulations to the team at #ISRO for #Chandrayaan2
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 22, 2019
Not too far behind was Akshay Kumar, who spoke about the toil of Isro scientists:
#ISRO has yet again accomplished a mammoth feat. Salute to the team who have spent countless days ensuring the success of #Chandrayaan2 @isro
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 22, 2019
Actor Nagarjuna hailed Isro’s efforts:
A giant leap for india🙏congratulations on the successful launch of the #Chandrayaan2 god speed and god bless!!!👏👏👏 @isro pic.twitter.com/zn9ddj9uB4
— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) July 22, 2019
Team India captain Virat Kohli also had a few words to say after the successful launch:
Another historic and proud moment for the nation as the #Chandrayaan 2 is launched 🙏🏻 Jai Hind 🇮🇳#ISRO #IndiaMoonMission
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 22, 2019
Former cricketer and current MP Gautam Gambhir said he was interested in the “secrets” of the moon:
I always looked up at the moon as a child, wondering what secrets it's hiding. The successful launch of #Chandrayaan2 will shed some light on these secrets, & motivate the next gen to help India's space exploration programme. I congratulate everyone at @ISRO for this success. pic.twitter.com/xy6aGt0xi3
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 22, 2019
Virendra Sehwag, the firebrand former opener, tweeted:
Many congratulations to Team #Chandrayaan2 @isro for the successful and seamless launch ! pic.twitter.com/LINKS5ZHUk
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 22, 2019
Another former cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, described the launch as a “proud moment for the nation”:
What a beautiful sight. Proud moment for the nation on the launch of #Chandrayaan2 @isro pic.twitter.com/8dCRwJSiSm
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 22, 2019
Others recalled an earlier “insult” to Indians:
People throw stone at you and you convert them into Milestones. #Chandrayaan2 @isro #ProudIndian pic.twitter.com/0F41IO1aJ7
— Anil Gaikwad (@AnilGaikwad_) July 22, 2019
There were some funny reactions as well...
Meanwhile Akshay and John fighting for the script of #Chandrayaan2 pic.twitter.com/zgV1Q4cGE0
— Bahut Scope hai (@Bahut_Scope_Hai) July 22, 2019
Every Indian after #Chandrayaan2 launch-🇮🇳🙌 pic.twitter.com/VeLNvTSqzs
— Vinay Verma (@Vinay___Verma) July 19, 2019
Sorry Marvel fans 🤗#Chandrayaan2 #ISRO #GSLVMkIII #IndiaMoonMission #MoonMission2@isro pic.twitter.com/0761LgRfbr
— Rishabh Sahni (@rishabhsahni07) July 22, 2019
#Chandrayaan2 #proudmoment
— Guy Is Funny (@GuyIsFunny) July 22, 2019
A billion Indian dreams takes off
ISRO be like Today : pic.twitter.com/QH7Y4ISQTL
...while others found mythological similarities between how the GSLV looked before the launch and Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance:
Cosmic dance of Lord Shiva !#Chandrayaan2 pic.twitter.com/nBNOA1AHG2
— TrueIndology श्रोत्रिय ब्रह्मनिष्ठः (@TrueIndoIogy) July 22, 2019