'We're proud of you': PM Modi lauds Anand Mahindra, Anushka Sharma for supporting ISRO scientists

Saturday did not start on a happy note for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Minutes before the Vikram lander was about to make a soft landing on the south pole of the moon, ISRO scientists lost contact with it. While it was a heartbreaking moment for ISRO chairman K Sivan and all Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, B-town celebs and business leaders came out in support of the scientists who worked on the Chandrayaan-2. However, that's not where it stopped. The kind words of our celebrities left PM Modi impressed and he took to Twitter to hail their love and confidence in ISRO and its scientists. The first few who tweeted were director Madhur Bhandarkar, actress Anushka Sharma and business tycoon Anand Mahindra.

The Mahindra and Mahindra chairman reiterated the importance of keeping faith and trying again if failure strikes. The 'brilliantly expressed' words left PM Modi impressed.




Replying to Bhandarkar who was touched to see the consolatory gesture of the PM who hugged and consoled the emotional ISRO chairman K Sivan after the communication was lost with Vikram Lander, Modi wrote, "Don't we often say India is a family? Warm words and support is what a family is all about. Indeed, we are proud of @isro and our scientists."



Sonam Kapoor who shared the picture of Modi consoling Sivan and called the moment 'heartening,' to this the Prime Minister replied, 'Hardwork and dedication has made @isro a pioneer in space technology and the same passion will continue to ensure they scale newer heights."



PM Modi also reverted on Sharma's tweet, who appreciated the perseverance of the ISRO.

"Indeed, we are proud of our scientists. @isro has inspired thousands of young minds to take up science and that is a victory on its own. @AnushkaSharma," Modi tweeted.



ISRO had lost communication with Vikram Lander of Chandrayaan 2 moments before it was preparing to make a soft-landing on the South Pole region of the Moon.

In the wee hours of Saturday, ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with the lander was lost at 2.1 km from the lunar surface.

"Vikram lander's descend was normal and as planned till 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication with Vikram lander was lost. Data is being analysed," Sivan had said.

The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter on September 2. After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14.

The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.