<p>"He was well versed in all major religions, both Indian and foreign. I have not seen many like him, who are able to talk about the Quran, Bible, Thirukkural and Bhagavad Gita with the same depth", Dr Madhavan Nair, former Chairman, ISRO, recalls about his Guru (mentor and guide), Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, in a recently-published autobiography.</p>

<p>October 15th is the Birth Anniversary of Dr. Kalam, the veteran aerospace and defence scientist, who later went on to serve as the President of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having been an integral part of ISRO's growth trajectory from the Thumba days of the late 1960s, to the Chandrayaan-1 days in the first decade of the 21st century, Dr. Madhavan Nair has an immensely powerful story to tell via his memoir 'Rocketing Through the Skies'. Having known Dr. Kalam professionally and personally, Dr. Nair shares several lesser-known facets of Dr. Kalam, who is also admired as India's 'People's President'.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/overcoming-parents-demise-dr-kalam-led-launch-of-indias-first-rocket-slv-3-647052">Overcoming parents' demise, Dr. Kalam led launch of India's first rocket SLV-3</a></p>

<p>"A devout Muslim, he would perform Namaaz&nbsp;daily, fast during Ramadan, and read the Quran. He engaged with temples and churches with the same intensity. One could witness a rare mingling of many great Indian values in him,"&nbsp;Dr. Nair writes about Dr. Kalam. Interestingly, he also shares an anecdote from a Tirupati temple visit along with Dr. Kalam.</p>

<p>Before every rocket launch, the project director and a few others used to visit the Tirupati temple and make an offering of a small model of the rocket. It is a ritual followed even today. I had the opportunity to go to Tirupati with Dr. Kalam once, says Dr. Nair.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaganyaans-maiden-test-flight-tv-d1-on-oct-21-isro-chief-646869">Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief</a></p>

<p>"The chief priest was surprised to see a Muslim scientist coming for darshan. He received Dr. Kalam cordially and took him to the guest house. There, they talked about many things. In due course, their discussion reached the topic of Hindu philosophy. It turned out that the pujari had a doctorate in it! Still, he was deeply impressed with Dr. Kalam's knowledge of Hindu philosophy," reads a para from the book.</p>

<p>It also reveals that Dr. Kalam inherited his deep-rooted spirituality from his father Jainulabdeen Marakayar.</p>

<p>While delving into the depths of Science and Rocketry (later, missiles and nuclear weapons) and helping India progress in these domains, Dr. Kalam remained a deeply spiritual and religious individual, the book conveys.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-enters-9th-day-over-3500-deaths-reported-647078">Israel-Hamas war enters 9th day, over 3500 deaths reported</a></strong></p>

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<p>Dr. Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of India's maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1.</p>

<p>He is also a recipient of top Indian government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.</p>

<p>Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating, and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', which was in Malayalam.</p>

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"He was well versed in all major religions, both Indian and foreign. I have not seen many like him, who are able to talk about the Quran, Bible, Thirukkural and Bhagavad Gita with the same depth", Dr Madhavan Nair, former Chairman, ISRO, recalls about his Guru (mentor and guide), Dr.

"He was well versed in all major religions, both Indian and foreign. I have not seen many like him, who are able to talk about the Quran, Bible, Thirukkural and Bhagavad Gita with the same depth", Dr Madhavan Nair, former Chairman, ISRO, recalls about his Guru (mentor and guide), Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, in a recently-published autobiography. October 15th is the Birth Anniversary of Dr. Kalam, the veteran aerospace and defence scientist, who later went on to serve as the President of India. Having been an integral part of ISRO's growth trajectory from the Thumba days of the late 1960s, to the Chandrayaan-1 days in the first decade of the 21st century, Dr. Madhavan Nair has an immensely powerful story to tell via his memoir 'Rocketing Through the Skies'. Having known Dr. Kalam professionally and personally, Dr. Nair shares several lesser-known facets of Dr. Kalam, who is also admired as India's 'People's President'. Also Read | Overcoming parents' demise, Dr. Kalam led launch of India's first rocket SLV-3 "A devout Muslim, he would perform Namaaz daily, fast during Ramadan, and read the Quran. He engaged with temples and churches with the same intensity. One could witness a rare mingling of many great Indian values in him," Dr. Nair writes about Dr. Kalam. Interestingly, he also shares an anecdote from a Tirupati temple visit along with Dr. Kalam. Before every rocket launch, the project director and a few others used to visit the Tirupati temple and make an offering of a small model of the rocket. It is a ritual followed even today. I had the opportunity to go to Tirupati with Dr. Kalam once, says Dr. Nair. Also Read | Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief "The chief priest was surprised to see a Muslim scientist coming for darshan. He received Dr. Kalam cordially and took him to the guest house. There, they talked about many things. In due course, their discussion reached the topic of Hindu philosophy. It turned out that the pujari had a doctorate in it! Still, he was deeply impressed with Dr. Kalam's knowledge of Hindu philosophy," reads a para from the book. It also reveals that Dr. Kalam inherited his deep-rooted spirituality from his father Jainulabdeen Marakayar. While delving into the depths of Science and Rocketry (later, missiles and nuclear weapons) and helping India progress in these domains, Dr. Kalam remained a deeply spiritual and religious individual, the book conveys. Watch | Israel-Hamas war enters 9th day, over 3500 deaths reported × Dr. Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of India's maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1. He is also a recipient of top Indian government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating, and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', which was in Malayalam. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Science and spirituality, religion and rockets': Remembering Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

<p>In the 1970s, the Indian Space Research Organisation was in its nascent years. With minimal resources and funding, an assortment of experienced and enthusiastic young engineers were working on developing and launching India's first spacefaring rocket - SLV-3.</p>

<p>Amid the rush to make history for India, the SLV-3 team leader (Project Director) APJ Abdul Kalam lost three members of his family, in quick succession.</p>

<p>Despite the devastating loss on the personal front, he absorbed his sorrow and toiled for the national mission, a new book reveals. October 15th marks the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the veteran rocket and missile scientist, who later went on to serve as the President of India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">15th Oct APJ AK Birth Anni🙏<br />
"Late 1970s, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> was preparing for maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> 🚀 launch SLV-3, Dr.Kalam headed the team..in quick succession, he lost his bro-in-law, parents..despite this, he contained the sorrow within &amp;launched 🚀in Aug 1979"<br />
Dr. Madhavan Nair recalls <a href="https://t.co/Z5Ctoh7cGf">pic.twitter.com/Z5Ctoh7cGf</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1713399475560161521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The years nearing the completion of the SLV-3 programme were very painful for Dr. Kalam. The deaths of three very dear family members shook him. First was his sister's husband Ahmed Jamaludeen, who had played a crucial role in his education. A close friend, he was the only person who was literate in English on the entire island of their native Rameswaram in his childhood. How could Dr. Kalam ever come to terms with that untimely death?,"&nbsp;reads a para from 'Rocketing Through the Skies', the autobiography of Former ISRO Chairman, Dr. Madhavan Nair.</p>

<p>After returning from the funeral of his brother-in-law and immersing himself in work, Dr. Kalam lost his father Jainulabdeen Marakayar. It was from his father that Dr. Kalam had inherited his deep-rooted spirituality, the book reveals. Soon after, he also lost his mother. On hearing about her death, he rushed home in a passenger bus for her last rites. He contained all these sorrows within himself and headed the SLV-3 project, Dr. Nair reminisces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaganyaans-maiden-test-flight-tv-d1-on-oct-21-isro-chief-646869">Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief</a></p>

<p>Finally, it was it on August 10, 1979 that the maiden flight of SLV-3 took place from Sriharikota. The four-stage rocket which stood 23 metres tall and weighed 17 tonnes, was meant to carry a 40kg satellite into orbit. While the vehicle lifted off and flew as planned, it faced a setback after the first stage burned out and then it tumbled and fell deep into the Bay of Bengal, 560kms off India's east coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a detailed failure analysis, team ISRO rectified the errors and launched again in July 1980 and the Rohini satellite was injected into orbit.</p>

<p>This was the first time that an Indian satellite was being placed into orbit by an Indian rocket. Ten&nbsp;years after this successful launch, the Government of India bestowed the honour of the Padma Shri award on Dr. Kalam, the book reveals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-out-why-night-shifts-take-a-toll-on-your-health-646697">Scientists find out why night shifts take a toll on your health</a></p>

<p>In the English autobiography, 'Rocketing Through the Skies' Dr. Madhavan Nair narrates the transition from ISRO's modest Thumba-era to the Chandrayaan-era, as he lived through it all and devoted his life for the cause of Indian Space programme. Throughout the book, he shares the cherished experiences and learnings that he could gain by working under Dr. Kalam, whom he refers to as his Guru (teacher). &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hamas-leader-orders-palestinians-not-to-leave-gaza-647039">Israel-Palestine war: Hamas leader orders Palestinians not to leave Gaza</a></strong></p>

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<p>Dr. Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of Indias maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1. He is also a recipient of top Indian Government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', that was in Malayalam.</p>

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In the 1970s, the Indian Space Research Organisation was in its nascent years. With minimal resources and funding, an assortment of experienced and enthusiastic young engineers were working on developing and launching India's first spacefaring rocket - SLV-3.

In the 1970s, the Indian Space Research Organisation was in its nascent years. With minimal resources and funding, an assortment of experienced and enthusiastic young engineers were working on developing and launching India's first spacefaring rocket - SLV-3. Amid the rush to make history for India, the SLV-3 team leader (Project Director) APJ Abdul Kalam lost three members of his family, in quick succession. Despite the devastating loss on the personal front, he absorbed his sorrow and toiled for the national mission, a new book reveals. October 15th marks the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the veteran rocket and missile scientist, who later went on to serve as the President of India. 15th Oct APJ AK Birth Anni🙏 "Late 1970s, #isro #india was preparing for maiden #space 🚀 launch SLV-3, Dr.Kalam headed the team..in quick succession, he lost his bro-in-law, parents..despite this, he contained the sorrow within &launched 🚀in Aug 1979" Dr. Madhavan Nair recalls pic.twitter.com/Z5Ctoh7cGf — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 15, 2023 × "The years nearing the completion of the SLV-3 programme were very painful for Dr. Kalam. The deaths of three very dear family members shook him. First was his sister's husband Ahmed Jamaludeen, who had played a crucial role in his education. A close friend, he was the only person who was literate in English on the entire island of their native Rameswaram in his childhood. How could Dr. Kalam ever come to terms with that untimely death?," reads a para from 'Rocketing Through the Skies', the autobiography of Former ISRO Chairman, Dr. Madhavan Nair. After returning from the funeral of his brother-in-law and immersing himself in work, Dr. Kalam lost his father Jainulabdeen Marakayar. It was from his father that Dr. Kalam had inherited his deep-rooted spirituality, the book reveals. Soon after, he also lost his mother. On hearing about her death, he rushed home in a passenger bus for her last rites. He contained all these sorrows within himself and headed the SLV-3 project, Dr. Nair reminisces. Also Read | Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief Finally, it was it on August 10, 1979 that the maiden flight of SLV-3 took place from Sriharikota. The four-stage rocket which stood 23 metres tall and weighed 17 tonnes, was meant to carry a 40kg satellite into orbit. While the vehicle lifted off and flew as planned, it faced a setback after the first stage burned out and then it tumbled and fell deep into the Bay of Bengal, 560kms off India's east coast. After a detailed failure analysis, team ISRO rectified the errors and launched again in July 1980 and the Rohini satellite was injected into orbit. This was the first time that an Indian satellite was being placed into orbit by an Indian rocket. Ten years after this successful launch, the Government of India bestowed the honour of the Padma Shri award on Dr. Kalam, the book reveals. Also Read | Scientists find out why night shifts take a toll on your health In the English autobiography, 'Rocketing Through the Skies' Dr. Madhavan Nair narrates the transition from ISRO's modest Thumba-era to the Chandrayaan-era, as he lived through it all and devoted his life for the cause of Indian Space programme. Throughout the book, he shares the cherished experiences and learnings that he could gain by working under Dr. Kalam, whom he refers to as his Guru (teacher). Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Hamas leader orders Palestinians not to leave Gaza × Dr. Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of Indias maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1. He is also a recipient of top Indian Government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', that was in Malayalam. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Overcoming grief after parents' demise, Dr. Kalam led launch of India's first rocket SLV-3

<p>An inquisitive Dr Abdul Kalam once asked, 'Why not land on the Moon'. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-is-a-success-a-soft-landing-for-vikram-lander-a-giant-leap-for-indias-space-odyssey-628404">India is now the first country in the world to land on the south pole of Moon</a>, a new chapter&nbsp;for the history books witnessed by the world on the evening of August 23rd, 2023.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> lands on the Moon's south pole<br />
<br />
We've achieved the soft landing on the Moon. India is on the Moon: ISRO Chief S. Somanath <a href="https://t.co/LA0GgPf2RS">pic.twitter.com/LA0GgPf2RS</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1694327942455963890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nearly two decades before an Indian spacecraft successfully landed on Moon, in 2004, top scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) met the then President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at a seminar in Udaipur. Dr Kalam, popularly regarded as 'Missile Man of India' for his distinguished contribution to India's civilian space programme, intently listened to the scientists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The topic of deliberation was a lunar mission aimed at orbiting moon, an event that occurred four years later after the success of Chandrayaan-1 space mission in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Dr M. Annadurai, the then project director of Chandrayaan-1 mission, revealed one suggestion by Dr Kalam stood out.</p>

<p>"Why not land on Moon!,"&nbsp;Dr Kalam is reported to have suggested Annadurai, according to a Times of India report.</p>

<p>"Kalam was talking about the Chandrayaan-3 programme, much before it was conceptualised," Annadurai was quoted as saying by the newspaper.</p>

<p>The late scientist president, who heralded an era of generation-defining achievements in space science for India, remains an inspiration to hundreds of scientists across a dozen ISRO centres involved in the design, development, testing and realisation of Chandrayaan-3 mission.</p>

<p>In his 2012 book <em>Turning Points: A journey through challenges</em>, Kalam described Chandrayaan mission "just the first step towards India's further planetary explorations and manned missions".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The birth of Moon Impact Probe</strong></h2>

<p>Now that Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 mission has safely landed on lunar surface, many would believe that this is the first Indian object on Moon. Neither are the crash landed remnants of the lander of Chandrayaan-2 mission launched four years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first Indian object on lunar surface is the Moon Impact Probe which, upon Kalam's suggestion to the then ISRO chief G. Madhavan Nair, went with Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008.<br />
<br />
<img alt="File photo of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0274513c-9092-4717-9c2d-82933c13e0ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-23T223810.502.png" /></p>

<p><em>File photo of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Chandrayaan lunar mission was announced by Vajpayee during Independence Day address on August 15, 2003 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Dr Kalam wrote in 'Turning points': "In 2006, the then chairman of ISRO briefed me on his future space plans including the Chandrayaan mission to explore the moon, which I am sure is just the first step towards further planetary explorations and manned missions... I suggested that the mission could include a combined entry package to the moon with at least one telemetry channel, with density or pressure measurement or tone ranging. This payload would enable us to gather data directly from the moon’s surface. The chairman promised to include this payload. This led to the birth of the Moon Impact Probe as a part of the Chandrayaan mission. To my delight, the probe landed on the moon’s surface on 14 November 2008 exactly in the pre-determined area."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Moon Impact Probe had the Indian tricolour inscribed on it, and just like Kalam had suggested, contained a high-resolution spectrometer and other instruments to probe the lunar surface. One of them, the Chandra's Altitudinal Composition Explorer (CHACE) recorded evidence of water in 650 mass spectra readings gathered during 25 minutes of its descent.</p>

<p>In his memoir <em>Rocketing Through The Skies</em>, the then ISRO chief G. Madhavan Nair describes the moment when Moon Impact Probe touched the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An hour before the MIP was to be detached from the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India and my guru, strode into the control room flashing his trademark smile."</p>

<p>"I arranged spiced buttermilk, his favourite, for him and explained the details of the mission... Dr Kalam was excited to see the most modern set-up and remarked that he felt as if he was in a wonderland," wrote Nair in a reference to the humble beginnings of India's space programme that Kalam led during its years of infancy.<br />
<img alt="The then chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) G. Madhavan Nair on October 22, 2008, after the successful launch of India's first Lunar probe Chandrayaan-1 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce58296f-ae7c-4ade-a578-baa84983984f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-23T020500.043_0.png" /></p>

<p><em>The then chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) G. Madhavan Nair on October 22, 2008, after the successful launch of India's first Lunar probe Chandrayaan-1 | AFP</em></p>

<p>"As we looked anxiously at the screens in the control room, the MIP descended on the Moon and finally impacted at a spot near the pole, beside the Shackleton crater. The flag on the MIP inscribed India's presence on the Moon forever," Nair wrote further.</p>

<p>"It was heartening that this moment was witnessed by Dr Kalam, who had originally put forth the idea that India must place its flag on the moon."&nbsp;</p>

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An inquisitive Dr Abdul Kalam once asked, 'Why not land on the Moon'. India is now the first country in the world to land on the south pole of Moon, a new chapter for the history books witnessed by the world on the evening of August 23rd, 2023.

An inquisitive Dr Abdul Kalam once asked, 'Why not land on the Moon'. India is now the first country in the world to land on the south pole of Moon, a new chapter for the history books witnessed by the world on the evening of August 23rd, 2023. #BREAKING | #Chandrayaan3 lands on the Moon's south pole We've achieved the soft landing on the Moon. India is on the Moon: ISRO Chief S. Somanath pic.twitter.com/LA0GgPf2RS — WION (@WIONews) August 23, 2023 × Nearly two decades before an Indian spacecraft successfully landed on Moon, in 2004, top scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) met the then President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at a seminar in Udaipur. Dr Kalam, popularly regarded as 'Missile Man of India' for his distinguished contribution to India's civilian space programme, intently listened to the scientists. The topic of deliberation was a lunar mission aimed at orbiting moon, an event that occurred four years later after the success of Chandrayaan-1 space mission in 2008. But Dr M. Annadurai, the then project director of Chandrayaan-1 mission, revealed one suggestion by Dr Kalam stood out. "Why not land on Moon!," Dr Kalam is reported to have suggested Annadurai, according to a Times of India report. "Kalam was talking about the Chandrayaan-3 programme, much before it was conceptualised," Annadurai was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The late scientist president, who heralded an era of generation-defining achievements in space science for India, remains an inspiration to hundreds of scientists across a dozen ISRO centres involved in the design, development, testing and realisation of Chandrayaan-3 mission. In his 2012 book Turning Points: A journey through challenges, Kalam described Chandrayaan mission "just the first step towards India's further planetary explorations and manned missions". The birth of Moon Impact Probe Now that Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 mission has safely landed on lunar surface, many would believe that this is the first Indian object on Moon. Neither are the crash landed remnants of the lander of Chandrayaan-2 mission launched four years ago. The first Indian object on lunar surface is the Moon Impact Probe which, upon Kalam's suggestion to the then ISRO chief G. Madhavan Nair, went with Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008. File photo of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Chandrayaan lunar mission was announced by Vajpayee during Independence Day address on August 15, 2003 | AFP Dr Kalam wrote in 'Turning points': "In 2006, the then chairman of ISRO briefed me on his future space plans including the Chandrayaan mission to explore the moon, which I am sure is just the first step towards further planetary explorations and manned missions... I suggested that the mission could include a combined entry package to the moon with at least one telemetry channel, with density or pressure measurement or tone ranging. This payload would enable us to gather data directly from the moon’s surface. The chairman promised to include this payload. This led to the birth of the Moon Impact Probe as a part of the Chandrayaan mission. To my delight, the probe landed on the moon’s surface on 14 November 2008 exactly in the pre-determined area." The Moon Impact Probe had the Indian tricolour inscribed on it, and just like Kalam had suggested, contained a high-resolution spectrometer and other instruments to probe the lunar surface. One of them, the Chandra's Altitudinal Composition Explorer (CHACE) recorded evidence of water in 650 mass spectra readings gathered during 25 minutes of its descent. In his memoir Rocketing Through The Skies, the then ISRO chief G. Madhavan Nair describes the moment when Moon Impact Probe touched the lunar surface. "An hour before the MIP was to be detached from the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India and my guru, strode into the control room flashing his trademark smile." "I arranged spiced buttermilk, his favourite, for him and explained the details of the mission... Dr Kalam was excited to see the most modern set-up and remarked that he felt as if he was in a wonderland," wrote Nair in a reference to the humble beginnings of India's space programme that Kalam led during its years of infancy. The then chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) G. Madhavan Nair on October 22, 2008, after the successful launch of India's first Lunar probe Chandrayaan-1 | AFP "As we looked anxiously at the screens in the control room, the MIP descended on the Moon and finally impacted at a spot near the pole, beside the Shackleton crater. The flag on the MIP inscribed India's presence on the Moon forever," Nair wrote further. "It was heartening that this moment was witnessed by Dr Kalam, who had originally put forth the idea that India must place its flag on the moon." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

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