Double delight: ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha … ‘ resonates at Bastille Day parade in France; moon-bound Chandrayaan-3 spreads cheers in India | India News

NEW DELHI: Two momentous events, separated in time and space, made all Indians proud on Friday.
While Chandarayaan-3, Isro‘s third lunar mission, successfully started its journey towards the Moon from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, thousands of miles away in Paris, an Indian tri-services military contingent marched to the beats of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ at the Bastille Day parade with the Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force joining the traditional flypast above the event.
With French President Emmanuel Macron alongside, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the Guest of Honour at the event, took the salute from the 269-member Indian contingent as they marched at the Champs-Elysees and wowed the crowd. Both the Indian and French troops marched with trumpets and drums.

The Indian marching contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army. The troops of Punjab Regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations.
The Punjab Regiment had participated in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915 during World War I. The regiment also won 16 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours in the Second World War.

While PM Modi called France a strong and trusted partner, Macron termed India a strategic partner, a friend and a giant in world history with a decisive role to play in the future.
‘Congratulations, India … ‘
Back home also there were cheers all around as Isro scientists announced that Chandrayaan-3’s journey to the Moon had successfully begun.
“Congratulations, India. Chandrayaan 3 has started its journey towards moon. Our dear LVM 3 has already put Chandrayaan 3 craft into the precise orbit around earth … and let us wish all the best for Chandrayaan 3 craft for its further orbit raising maneuvers and travel towards moon in the coming days,” said a jubilant Isro chairman S Somanath.
The journey from Earth to the moon for the spacecraft is estimated to take little over a month. After reaching the desired altitude, the lander module would begin its descent for a soft landing on the moon’s south pole region. This key action is expected to take place by August 23 or 24, scientists at ISRO said.
When the landing happens, India will become the fourth country after US, China, and Russia, to land its spacecraft on the surface of the moon and demonstrate the country’s abilities for safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
PM Modi led the praise for the scientists as he tweeted: “Chandrayaan-3 scripts a new chapter in India’s space odyssey. It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of a every Indian. This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists’ relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity!”