Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has greeted scientists, engineers and technologists associated with the mission of Mangalyaan, which had been successfully placed in orbit around Mars.
She termed the development a historic achievement for India and the Indian Space Research Organisation, and said the scientific community had done the nation proud. “This achievement will undoubtedly inspire and stimulate young minds in India to take up scientific research and development,” she said.
Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah called it a “momentous occasion in the annals of Indian space history”. “Today India has made history of becoming the first country in the world to make it to Mars in its maiden attempt, which has made world nations turn back and see,” he said in a statement.
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He congratulated ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan, the scientists, and all those associated with the mission.
In north Chennai, the success was marked by students of Everwin Matriculation Higher Secondary School. B. Purushothaman, principal of the school, said they had made a 15x10 feet cut-out celebrating the mission. “We also made a banner with photographs of the scientists involved. It was very motivating for the students, and will encourage them to go that extra mile,” he said.
Ten-year old Fatema Surti said she watched a video of the achievement on YouTube. “It was very exciting and I am very proud of ISRO,” she said.
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State leaders of CPI (M), MDMK, PMK and DMDK — G. Ramakrishnan, Vaiko, S. Ramadoss and actor Vijayakanth, respectively — also congratulated the scientists and engineers of ISRO on the historic feat.