Hyderabad: As the Chandrayaan-3 was moments away from landing on the lunar south pole, Hyderabadis were glued to their television screens.
Office-goers and residents of gated colonies alike gathered in front of television sets, cheering and clapping as the final countdown minutes passed by.
Social media platforms, especially Twitter, were abuzz with millions of tweets expressing delight and pride when the spacecraft finally landed.
Chandrayaan3, #ISROZindabad, and #JaiHoIndia were just a few of the hashtags trending throughout the evening.
Students and youngsters shared videos of themselves cheering and chanting slogans like, 'Atmanirbharta ki jai (Long live self-reliance) and 'ISRO Zindabad, 'Hail India' and 'We Salute India's Scientists'. This display of nationalistic fervour struck a chord with people across the nation.
Not wanting to miss a single moment of this historic event, working professionals hurried back home, cancelling social engagements and leaving office early.
They joined their families, friends, and neighbours to witness this monumental achievement together, bonding over the shared sense of patriotism and scientific marvel.
Enthusiasts also hosted watch parties by inviting friends and colleagues to their homes. These gatherings became emotional, as participants were moved to tears witnessing India's technological prowess and determination to reach beyond earthly boundaries. Amid cheering and clapping, they voiced sentiments of solidarity with their country.
Many also gathered at several spots, including the Birla Planetarium, Press Club, lobbies of malls and stores, to join together as a community and cheer the scientists with during the final countdown.
Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan watched the live stream of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft successfully making a soft landing on the lunar southpole from the Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
She congratulated Isro for India's historic and successful mission to the Moon.
Tamilisai called it a joyous moment, one filled with promise for the entire nation. "This achievement takes us a step closer to realising the goal of Amrit Kaal," she said.
Universities and colleges in Hyderabad played an active role in engaging students and faculty members in discussions about the mission. With online streaming services, lectures from eminent professors, and detailed analyses, institutions organised sessions about the technical aspects, historical context, cultural significance, and more. These discussions allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the achievements of Chandrayaan-3 and its relevance to India's scientific growth.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the mission, Aradhana Reddy, a cultural historian, said, "Chandrayaan-3 carries not just the dreams of scientists but also the cultural aspirations of our nation. This accomplishment rekindles the spirit of 'Chanda Mama from our beloved folklore, connecting us with our rich heritage."
