The International Astronomical Union (IAU) recently gave the green light to the name 'Shiva Shakti' for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This approval, granted on March 19, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration of the name after the triumph of the mission on August 26, 2023.
According to the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, maintained by the IAU, the name 'Shiva Shakti' encapsulates the essence of Indian mythology, representing the dual nature of masculinity (Shiva) and femininity (Shakti) inherent in nature. It symbolizes the landing site of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander, echoing the rich cultural tapestry of India.
During his address at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Command Centre on August 28, 2023, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the decision to christen the Chandrayaan-3 landing point as “Shiv Shakti Point.” Additionally, he designated the spot of the Chandrayaan-2 landing failure as “Tiranga Point” and proclaimed August 23 as “National Space Day” to commemorate the historic touchdown of the Vikram Lander on the Moon.
Explaining the significance behind the chosen name, PM Modi emphasized that "Shiv" represents the pursuit of humanity's welfare, while "Shakti" embodies the strength necessary to accomplish this noble goal. He envisioned the 'Shiv Shakti Point' as a unifying symbol spanning from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, inspiring future generations to harness the power of science for the greater good.
PM Modi's words underscored the profound impact that the 'Shiva Shakti' designation will have, serving as a beacon guiding humanity towards scientific advancement and collective welfare.
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