Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Chandrayaan-3: India on the Moon by Ajay Lele

I still remember where I was on 23rd August 2023. Like millions of Indians (and space nerds worldwide), I had my eyes glued to my screen, heart thumping, waiting for those final moments of Chandrayaan-3’s descent. When it touched down safely on the Moon’s South Pole, I swear there were tears in my eyes. We did it. India did it.

Ajay Lele’s book, Chandrayaan-3: India on the Moon, captures that very essence — not just of landing a rover, but of a country rising, dreaming, and making its mark among the stars. Lele, a consultant at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, brings a researcher’s rigour and a storyteller’s curiosity to India’s lunar journey.

This isn’t just a retelling of a successful mission — it’s a layered narrative of how India’s moon programme evolved over two decades. From Chandrayaan-1’s quiet triumph to Chandrayaan-2’s heartbreaking near-miss, and finally the flawless landing of Chandrayaan-3, the book walks us through ISRO’s trials, errors, learnings, and eventual glory. It also peeks into the ripple effects of this success — economic, political, and scientific.

Lele writes with clarity and purpose. The language is simple yet loaded with insight, which makes even complex technical jargon feel accessible. He strikes a balance between fact and reflection — something I appreciated. The book reads like a detailed conversation with someone who knows the ins and outs of the field, but doesn’t make you feel like an outsider.

There are no characters in the traditional sense, but the idea of India — resilient, humble, and quietly ambitious — comes alive. I particularly loved how Lele positions ISRO not as a flashy, chest-thumping institution, but as a focused, disciplined team committed to science and national growth. The themes of self-reliance, innovation under constraints, and purposeful progress stood out beautifully.

The book is neatly structured: it starts with the global context of moon missions, dives into India’s own space timeline, and then zooms in on Chandrayaan-3’s specifics. The transitions are smooth, and Lele doesn’t lose momentum, even when he switches between science and geopolitics. For a nonfiction read, it has a strong narrative arc.

At its heart, this book is about aspiration. It questions the so-called “moon race” and offers a refreshing perspective: India isn’t trying to win a race — it’s trying to explore, learn, and contribute. There’s also a subtle but powerful discussion on “soft power,” the idea that space success adds to a country’s cultural and diplomatic clout.

The emotional pull for me came from how relatable the mission’s journey felt — there were highs, lows, doubts, comebacks. Isn’t that what we all go through in our own lives? I found myself cheering for the scientists like I would for athletes in a final match. And yes, the mention of 8 million+ live viewers on YouTube? Goosebumps.

The book’s biggest strength is its relevance. It connects dots across science, economy, international politics, and national identity — all through the lens of one space mission. And it does this without ever feeling heavy. It’s also inspiring without being preachy, which is rare.

If I were to wish for one tiny addition, it would be some visual elements — like mission sketches, infographics, or behind-the-scenes images from ISRO. It could’ve added a touch of visual storytelling to an already compelling narrative. That said, the strength of the book lies in its content, and it delivers that beautifully without needing the bells and whistles.

I never actually dreamed of becoming an astronaut myself, but I distinctly remember knowing who Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma was — how could I not? He was from the Indian Air Force, just like my father. That pride in seeing someone from the forces go to space felt personal even then. Now, years later, as I watch my own daughter talk about becoming an astronaut, reading Chandrayaan-3: India on the Moon felt incredibly special. It’s not just a story of a moon landing — it’s a reminder of how dreams evolve across generations, and how India’s quiet, determined ambition is lighting the way for those dreams to take flight.

Chandrayaan-3: India on the Moon is more than a book — it’s a celebration. Of Indian science. Of perseverance. Of quiet revolutions. Whether you’re a space buff, a curious reader, or just someone who wants to understand what that moment on August 23rd truly meant — this book is for you.

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