Community in New Jersey, New York, celebrates India’s Chandrayaan 3 moon-landing  

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Indian Americans in the tri-state area came together August 30, 2023, at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey to celebrate the success of Chandrayaan-3, India’s moon mission that landed on the lunar south pole August 23, 2023.

“Many historic movements take place in life and then there are a few moments we remember forever,” said Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadanvis, addressing the New Jersey gathering via video streaming. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had named the landing site ‘Shiv-Shakti Point’ in honor of the contributions of India’s women scientists.

Several community leaders were at the event and spoke of the success, including Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold Chairman and CEO Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Dr. Vithal Dhaduk, organizer, and visiting guest Amruta Fadnavis, Albert Jasani of Royal Albert’s Palace, and Dr. Sumul Rawal among others.

Dr.  Parikh said India’s trajectory to this point was commendable from what it was in early times.  When Vikram Sarabhai and Homi Bhabha started ISRO, the first rocket was carried in a bullock cart he noted. He praised the ongoing experiments and studies after Chandrayaan 3 landed on the moon. All Indians were proud of India and Indian scientists, and of Prime Minister Modi under whose leadership this visionary success was achieved, he said. “I am proud of being an Indian. I can see all of us Indians are outside of India, but India is not out of us,” he said.

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Devendra Fadnavis, who is a singer and social activist and is currently in the US, recalled witnessing the pride Indian Americans in India’s achievement. The happiness among the 32 million Indian diaspora across the globe was unparalleled, she said. “They all chanted ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and distributed sweets. At Times Square, there were tri-color flags of India all over to congratulate Modiji and to congratulate ISRO,” she said. She said the landing reaffirmed Indians’ confidence in themselves. She also sang many songs at the event, including the apt ‘Laal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bhala Jhulley Laalan’.

Dr. Vithal Dhaduk, organizer of the event, spoke of the pride in the success of the Chandrayaan-3. Calling it India’s lunar odyssey, he said the moon mission transcends science and technology. “It (the moon mission) symbolizes the fusion of heritage and the innovation that defines our essence,” Dhaduk said.

H R Shah, Chairman of TV Asia recited four lines of his own poem on the moon landing.

Dr. Sumul Rawal echoed those thoughts and called Prime Minister Modi a visionary leader who had propelled India’s progress to new heights, and whose dedication to development of the nation, emphasis on technological innovation, and commitment to inclusive growth, had redefined India’s path on the global stage.