FTT World
Aug 28, 20232 min
Updated: May 9
India's triumphant Chandrayaan-3 mission has captivated the world. The successful landing near the lunar south pole marks a giant leap for the nation's space program, inspiring other developing countries to reach for the stars. But beyond the technological marvel, the mission also sheds light on a fascinating cultural choice – the use of Sanskrit, one of the world's oldest languages.
Sanskrit: The Language of Lunar Exploration
Many components of Chandrayaan-3 bear names rooted in Sanskrit, a language deeply intertwined with Hinduism. The spacecraft itself, aptly named "Chandrayaan" (Chandra - moon, yaan - craft/vehicle), translates to "mooncraft," perfectly capturing its celestial purpose. The Pragyan rover, diligently analyzing lunar soil, gets its name from the Sanskrit word for "wisdom," reflecting its role in scientific discovery.
Sreedhara Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), highlights the suitability of Sanskrit for scientific endeavors. He emphasizes the language's rich structure and syntax, ideal for conveying complex scientific concepts.
Vikram: A Tribute and a Legacy
The lander, named "Vikram," holds a special significance. While the word translates to "valor" in Sanskrit, it primarily serves as a tribute to the visionary Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, widely regarded as the "father of the Indian space program."
Dr. Sarabhai's contributions are immense. He established ISRO as its first chairman and founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) – independent India's first scientific institution. Notably, PRL scientists played a crucial role in Chandrayaan-3, developing the Pragyan rover's spectrometer and the lander's thermal probe.
Sanskrit's Enduring Influence
The influence of Sanskrit extends beyond Chandrayaan-3. ISRO has a history of using the language for its missions. India's first Mars orbiter, "Mangalyaan" (meaning "Mars craft"), successfully studied the Red Planet from Martian orbit before going silent in 2023.
Looking ahead, India's upcoming solar mission is named "Aditya-L1" (Aditya - sun), while the country's ambitious human spaceflight program is called "Gaganyaan" (celestial vehicle). Notably, the first crewless test flights will involve a humanoid robot named "Vyommitra" (space friend).
As India carves its path in space exploration, Sanskrit, a language that faced a decline after the 13th century, seems to be experiencing a revival. This choice not only honors India's rich heritage but also showcases the language's potential as a medium for scientific expression. The success of Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to both India's technological prowess and its cultural pride, with Sanskrit playing a unique role in this historic achievement.