The incredible success of Chandrayaan-3 mission draws on the same playbook of talent and audacity that won India's first cricket World Cup. EPISODE #140
I really enjoyed reading this week's piece especially starting with the comparison with India's 1983 moment. There are some moments- both happy and sad- which get etched in a person's memory. For many years people claimed that they could recall the moment of JFK's assassination. I felt the same way about the violent deaths of Indira Gandhi as well as both her sons. Later on Princess Diana's accident as well as bombing of the twin towers. As far as happy images, nothing can beat the image of Kapil Dev and his men in blue lifting the World Cup. The success of Chandryaan 3 was also history in the making.
The publicity which the event got was equally mind-boggling. There were massive screens on crossings, railway stations, schools, malls etc involving even the common man. Everyone was watching with bated breath. If this could affect all of us so much, I can't even imagine what the ISRO scientists must've been going through. Especially after the previous debacle.
You have hit the nail on the head when you have summed it up beautifully- it's actually talent combined with audacity and self belief. Qualities one associated with India as a flash in the pan. No longer so. Now nothing seems unattainable as far as India is concerned. We have become the first country to land on the South side of the moon and people are no longer shocked. It's a reflection of the future of the world order.
Thank you so much. You have summed it up so eloquently. The thrill that every Indian experienced in 1983 was visible to all of us during the Chandrayaan landing. I remember watching cricket games on TV screens displayed in electronic shops; not just me. there were loads of us doing the same.
This time we had the option of watching on YouTube, our phones and still people preferred the company of crowds at railways stations etc.
And, you rightly say that this was the 'yes we can' moment for India. Nothing is impossible. Self-belief just got added to our national lexicon.
Fully agree with your insight Anil, that this achievement will lead to further research and development in the field of space exploration. In this field of a few players, India can be a unique participant, as it is a clear leader, in the critical area of cost management. Ultimately, this may be the trump card, when space exploration becomes an industry. The saying that you cannot keep a good man down for very long, is applicable to India, when we take into consideration how the project had been derailed by getting the leading scientist imprisoned by a foreign agency. This achievement has been a shot in the arm for India's credibility as a technological power house on the world stage. Terrific write up Anil.
Thank you so much Gautam for the kind words. Much appreciated.
You are spot on. India's ability to pioneer frugal engineering without compromising quality is the cutting edge. Only thing the competition out there is fierce. Space-X for example has completely overturned the launch business by pioneering reusable rockets. So India has to tread carefully. Hoping for the best.
Very interesting and informative article.Anil,you do such indepth research and your unbiased analysis is a pleasure to read and reflect!
Dear Vandana,
Thank you for your kind words and vote of trust--means a lot to me.
Best
Anil
Dear Anil
I really enjoyed reading this week's piece especially starting with the comparison with India's 1983 moment. There are some moments- both happy and sad- which get etched in a person's memory. For many years people claimed that they could recall the moment of JFK's assassination. I felt the same way about the violent deaths of Indira Gandhi as well as both her sons. Later on Princess Diana's accident as well as bombing of the twin towers. As far as happy images, nothing can beat the image of Kapil Dev and his men in blue lifting the World Cup. The success of Chandryaan 3 was also history in the making.
The publicity which the event got was equally mind-boggling. There were massive screens on crossings, railway stations, schools, malls etc involving even the common man. Everyone was watching with bated breath. If this could affect all of us so much, I can't even imagine what the ISRO scientists must've been going through. Especially after the previous debacle.
You have hit the nail on the head when you have summed it up beautifully- it's actually talent combined with audacity and self belief. Qualities one associated with India as a flash in the pan. No longer so. Now nothing seems unattainable as far as India is concerned. We have become the first country to land on the South side of the moon and people are no longer shocked. It's a reflection of the future of the world order.
Dear Ranjini,
Thank you so much. You have summed it up so eloquently. The thrill that every Indian experienced in 1983 was visible to all of us during the Chandrayaan landing. I remember watching cricket games on TV screens displayed in electronic shops; not just me. there were loads of us doing the same.
This time we had the option of watching on YouTube, our phones and still people preferred the company of crowds at railways stations etc.
And, you rightly say that this was the 'yes we can' moment for India. Nothing is impossible. Self-belief just got added to our national lexicon.
Look forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil
Fully agree with your insight Anil, that this achievement will lead to further research and development in the field of space exploration. In this field of a few players, India can be a unique participant, as it is a clear leader, in the critical area of cost management. Ultimately, this may be the trump card, when space exploration becomes an industry. The saying that you cannot keep a good man down for very long, is applicable to India, when we take into consideration how the project had been derailed by getting the leading scientist imprisoned by a foreign agency. This achievement has been a shot in the arm for India's credibility as a technological power house on the world stage. Terrific write up Anil.
Thank you so much Gautam for the kind words. Much appreciated.
You are spot on. India's ability to pioneer frugal engineering without compromising quality is the cutting edge. Only thing the competition out there is fierce. Space-X for example has completely overturned the launch business by pioneering reusable rockets. So India has to tread carefully. Hoping for the best.
Best
Anil