A wave of cheers, claps, and whistles erupted in the control room at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre as Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket. Amid the celebrations, a phone call came through from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who dialed in to congratulate the team on their historic achievement.
Speaking directly to Skyroot CEO and Co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana on speakerphone, PM Modi praised the young team for their milestone. “You have made India proud,” the Prime Minister said. “You have planted India’s aspirations in space and have also given roots to the dreams of the youth.”
During the nine-minute call, Chandana noted that the average age of the Skyroot team is just 28 years old. PM Modi commended their spirit, stating that the achievement validated his belief in the country’s next generation. “Many doubted our space dreams, but this team has shown that if trusted, Indian youth can do wonders,” he added.
Reflecting on the mission’s name, ‘Aagaman’ (Arrival), the Prime Minister expressed confidence that this launch marks only the beginning of Skyroot’s journey, elevating India’s broader space narrative.
Chandana also shared an emotional detail from the flight: a handwritten “Vande Mataram” note sent by the Prime Minister prior to the launch had been carried into space aboard Vikram-1. “Vande Mataram is now in space,” Chandana told him.
PM Modi explained that he chose to write those specific words for two reasons: to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song and to honor its enduring power to inspire the youth. “You have lived the spirit of Vande Mataram,” he told the team, concluding the call with a reassuring message: “Aap aage badhiye, soar high. I am with you.”
