The nation rises in support of Indian scientists of ISRO and its mission Chandrayaan-2 after its plan to soft land Vikram near the moon's south pole did not go as per script. It's not just Prime Minister Modi, but citizens and celebrities from the world of cinema and sports have come together to say they are proud of ISRO.
New Delhi: Bollywood apart, even noted sports personalities on Saturday (September 7) offered words of encouragement expressing their pride in Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) scientists having undertaken this feat - Chandrayaan-2. The sports fraternity urged them to come back stronger after its plan to soft land Vikram near the moon's south pole did not go as per script.
Shortly after 2:15 am, which is about over ten minutes after Vikram's scheduled touchdown time -- ISRO chief K Sivan confirmed that contact with the lander had been lost. Sivan said data is being analysed to figure out what happened.
The scientists' efforts have attracted admiration from across the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NASA. PM Modi interacted with the scientists and encouraged them saying, “There are ups and downs in life... the country is proud of you.”
Vikram lander lost contact with ground stations minutes before the touchdown on Moon's surface early on Saturday.
Following are the tweets by some of the country's top sportspersons.
Cricketer Virat Kohli
"There's nothing like failure in science, we experiment & we gain. Massive respect for the scientists at ISRO who worked relentlessly over days & nights. The nation is proud of you, Jai Hind!."
Cricketer-politician Gautam Gambhir
"It's only a failure if we don't learn from our setbacks. We will come back stronger! I salute the great spirit of team ISRO for making a billion Indians dream together, as one. The best is definitely yet to come."
Former cricketer Virender Sehwag
"Khwaab Adhoora raha par Hauslein Zinda hain, ISRO woh hai, jahaan mushkilein Sharminda hain. Hum Honge Kaaamyab (The dreams remain unfulfilled but the spirit remains intact. We will be successful)."
Cricketer Rishabh Pant
"There is no such thing as failure. Only upwards and onwards from here. We are proud of you ISRO, we salute your hardwork and dedication in serving the nation."
Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan
"We are proud of you team ISRO for your ultimate hard work, you have not lost, you have gotten us further. Keep the dream alive."
Wrestler Geeta Phogat
"The boat doesn't cross the sea fearing the waves. Those who try are never defeated. Entire India is proud of ISRO."
Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt
"We are proud of our scientists and are confident that they will definitely get success in their next attempt. Jai Hind."
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