Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met and congratulated the scientists of ISRO for the historic Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission.
Following the BRICS summit in South Africa and a maiden visit to Greece, PM Modi arrived at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru to greet the scientists behind the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The PM was received at ISTRAC by ISRO chief S Somanath and other scientists.
"What you all have achieved is one of the most inspiring moments of this era," PM Modi told the scientists of ISRO. "After this feat, the entire world has understood India's mettle in the field of science and technology."
Shortly after landing in the city, the PM addressed a gathering before departing for ISTRAC.
"Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan," the PM began his speech. "Not only Indians but people across the globe who believe in science are filled with enthusiasm. I decided that on my return to India, I will go to Bengaluru and pay tribute to scientists behind Chandrayaan-3 success."
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Governor Thawarchand Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were not present with the Prime Minister on stage. The PM said that he had requested the Karnataka leaders to not go through the trouble of waking up very early in the morning to receive him.
"As I did not know when I will reach Bengaluru, I requested the Chief Minister, Governor, and Deputy Chief Minister not to take trouble so early," PM Modi said.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister had termed the ISRO scientists responsible for Chandrayaan-3's success as "exceptional" and said that he was looking forward to interacting with them.
"Landed in Bengaluru. Looking forward to interacting with our exceptional ISRO scientists who have made India proud with the success of Chandrayaan-3! Their dedication and passion are truly the driving forces behind our nation's achievements in the space sector," the PM had written on social media ahead of his visit.
On Wednesday, PM Modi virtually witnessed the successful lunar touchdown of the Chandrayaan-3 lander from Johannesburg where he was attending the BRICS summit.
PM Modi Calls 2 BJP MPs Injured In Parliament Stand-Off PM Condoles Loss Of Lives In Mumbai Boat Accident; Announces Rs 2 Lakh Aid "Rubbing Salt On Wound": Arvind Kejriwal On PM's Post Amid Ambedkar Row Video: Rahul Gandhi Approaches BJP MP Who Fell During Protest, This Happens People Seeking Justice For Atul Subhash Chase Rahul Gandhi. He Does This Protests At Parliament Turn Into Injury vs Injury Claims By BJP, Congress Probe Launched As "Blast" Takes Place Outside Police Chowki In Punjab Experts Call For Higher 'Sin Tax' On Tobacco Ahead Of GST Council Meet Corruption Case Filed Against KTR Over Hyderabad Formula E Race Issue Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.