PM Modi Congratulates Skyroot Team on Successful Launch of India's First Private Rocket Vikram-1

The successful launch of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket on [date] marked a milestone for India's private space sector. The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, making Skyroot the first Indian private company to launch a rocket into space.

Following the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned the Skyroot team to congratulate them. Speaking to CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana and the team on speakerphone, the Prime Minister said, 'You have made India proud.' He added, 'You have planted India's aspirations in space and have also given roots to the dreams of the youth.'

Chandana noted that the average age of the Skyroot team is 28 years. PM Modi remarked that the team had proved his faith in the youth of India, saying, 'Many doubted our space dreams, but this team has shown that if trusted, Indian youth can do wonders.' The Prime Minister said he felt he 'had to be part of this historic moment.'

The mission was named 'Aagaman,' meaning arrival. PM Modi expressed confidence that this is just the beginning for Skyroot and that many more milestones await the team. During the call, Chandana mentioned that the Prime Minister had sent a handwritten note with the words 'Vande Mataram' before the launch, which was carried aboard Vikram-1. 'Vande Mataram is now in space,' Chandana said.

PM Modi explained that he chose to write 'only Vande Mataram' for two reasons: first, it is the 150th year of the national song, and second, because it has always inspired the youth of India. He told the team, 'You have lived the spirit of Vande Mataram.' He ended the call with, 'Aap aage badhiye, soar high. I am with you.'

Later, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister described the successful launch as a 'defining moment' in India's space journey. He said, 'The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation. This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly.'