I congratulate the scientists and other employees of ISRO and other related organizations for the successful launch of India’s maiden mission to moon Chandrayan I.

It is indeed an extraordinary moment in our history, a moment of great pride and a time for greater introspection on the immense potential our vast human resources and the need to tap them effectively for the benefit of our nation.

In the past too, our scientists from the time of Sir C V Raman have proved to the world that they are second to none. Our people, whether Indian citizens like Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma or of Indian origin such as Astronauts Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, have established the nation’s impeccable credentials in the field of space exploration over the years.

I am confident that this mission would not only achieve its objectives and bring to the fore new studies and findings that would be of immense benefit to humankind but also pave the way for more such ventures which would prove useful in finding solutions to the varied problems confronting the nation.

I also wish to extend my heartiest greetings to the people of India on this joyous occasion, which is a perfect Deepawali gift from our scientific community.

( H D Deve Gowda)