India deserves to be number 1, a day will come when India will feed US and UK.he he.........

Soumyadeep, New Delhi, India

Us Indians do have our priorities right. When it comes to basic food and sanitation, we may not up to the mark as yet, but we sure are getting there. If your country had the kind of ratio of population per square mile, you could be in an even worse state than us. Never judge anyone by their looks.

Anshuman Accanoor, Mumbai, INDIA

Kumar, Just don't agree with you in spirit that we can't eradicate poverty - If the world work together Yes we can. Let's try. Do not want to see any more so called super power that failed to provide basic human rights to the citizens. Be different. Don't follow. 1st thing 1st. Proiritise.

MFI, Sydney,

I think that Asian nations should explore space together by pooling resources like the Europeans do with ESA. That way, we can eliminate the mistrust that the westerners are trying to sow amongst us. The US and Europe are, as usual, practising their divide and rule policy. Good show so far, India.

Yeap, Penang, Malaysia

Lot of people are saying 'the poor Indians why are they doing this'? Think about it, if poor India can do this. What will the rich India in 10-15yrs time will be able to achieve.....

John, Christchurch, New Zealand

India people's english is really good. Chinese voice was much weaker when there were discussions like this due to language barrier.

Neilace, shanghai,

India Superpower - He he ... Kidding! Superfluous population is true. Yet to buy a seat in the Security Council so going about mourning all over the world for support. Had I known, India is so desperate for a seat, I would have donated one. Let India protect its own Citizens first - the first step.

Veerappan, Bangalore,

To all over here...

Space exploration is a way of expressing India's emergence as one of the global powers. Within a short span of 60 years after a continuous resource drain for hundreds of years, this shows how resurgent India is and how much dynamic India is against all odds.

Madhuran, Stockholm, sweden

Kumar, man you hit the bulls eye on that one. Bingo! It's as if there is no poverty in the US? The number of poor in the US is astounding. People coming here from the southern states of the US tell me it's akin to anarchy and total moral decay in those places.

Rakesh Krishnan, Auckland, New Zealand

Cant wait for the first ever Call Center on the moon.

LIndsay, Berwick, Australia

We are living in a global village. It is good for all of us to promote one another and help the humanity. India has demonstrated that poverty and huge population are not a deterrent to scientific progress. The spin offs from space achievements are having a huge impact on Indian psyche.

RKRAO, Cambridge, UK

good on you India

graham, Kings Lynn,

now u had poverty in every country ...stop taking about indias poverty and focus on indias achivements..with a billion population you can't eradicate poverty completly and u cant stop india becoming super power

kumar, london,

For the benefit of Mr SG,
India invested more money in UK than the UK did in India last year. Your time is past mate! Stop relying on outdated data and wake up to reality.

Kalki, Cardiff,

The software industry that has contributed to India's improved economic growth is the result of India's emphasis on education and technology since independence. Its space programmes similarly have contributed to the economy which in turn is helping to reduce poverty. Give a man a fish ..............

Ashok, Brisbane, Australia

It's a good thing that the India government has the extra money to spend on such things as space science and a nuclear program for it has no citizens in need of international aid. This is especially the case since a global recession would cut off such funds.

Doug Campbell, Peterborough, Canada

Indias poverty is the result of misguided policies. There is no other explanation for India which had an equal GDP of the whole of Europe in 1700s to be poor.For those moaners- we do not revel in UK pension black hole, benefit & drug, dependancy, obesity, 33% cancer rate, 48.5% student illiteracy.

J T Karingozhakal, Milton Keynes, UK

I wish they had spent the money on improving their cricket pitches and grounds.

Rodney S. Barker, Gainsborough, England UK

I see the plan, In a few years from now there will still be the international space station then just to the north of that will be the Hong Kong kitchen take away and next door to that will be the Taj Mahal take away, There was no way the British were even going to try until those places were there.

Peter, Vancouver.BC, Canada

"historic day as India launches first space mission"

But can they bring the rocket back down safely to Earth.

Mohammed, London, UK


Damned! Never thought of that, now did we? Good job it is not a manned mission, right Mohammed?

Dilip J, Palm Beach, Florida, USA

"historic day as India launches first space mission"

But can they bring the rocket back down safely to Earth.

Mohammed, London, UK

Dear SG India doesn't requires anybodies aid for FOOD & Other things we are very much self reliant, Infact Indian brain's help run economy of many developed countries, Hat's off the team of ISRO for the moon shot .

jiggs, mumbai, india

TBH India in going to be a super-power and they have no idea's of expansion. The teachings of Mahatma Ghandi run deep into the veins of this country and he was a great man. Who cares if they get aid from the UK or not. I suspect one day, they'll be giving aid out. could do with a better welfare tho.

Sunny, Cov,

Well done India, another great moment in time and history.
Aid?? Poverty?? Nonsense talk. Open your eyes and look a little beyond your own doorstep.

H Singh, Hitchin,

P. Smith, London and SG London..in which world are you? India does not take any aid. Infact is buying your companies. Come out of your colonial bliss and wake up to the reality. INDIA IS HERE TO STAY - WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT !!

Samy P, Warwick/Mumbai, UK/India

Dear SG , india is very much self reliant as long as food & other aids are concern, infacts lots of indian brains help run a substantial part of almost all the western countires......... proud to be an indian----------- despite all odd we made it..... Congtrates to the entire ISRO Team.............

jiggs, mumbai, india

Amazed at the ignorance of folks from UK and Europe. This mission to map the moon has be hailed by all space researchers. Helium 3 is one of the most sought after element to generate clean energy and moon has plenty of it. For energy starved India, this can provide all its energy needs.

Andy, Randolph, USA

Impressive achievement, well done India!

SG, London - appreciate your sentiment but how much money do we spend on silly programs e.g. Olympics while we have poor and impoverished people living in our own inner cities? Need to broaden your outlook.

Farrukh, Woking,

Dear very surprised Indian,
India has a GDP of approx. 2600 US dollars per capita per annum,
Start feeding the many poor people before entering the space race.

Nick, Silkeborg, Denmark

40 years ago my dad and I watched USA astronaut walk on the moon and my Dad said to me we will also do it one day.It took alot of courage for my dad to say this because the whole world made us feel that we were a nation of beggers.My mum says its in the Vedas.I believe her so must India.

Surendra Dayal Patel, King Williams Town, south Africa

Spend Money building the structure of the country and helping the millions who live in poverty, educate them and build the country 1st before jumping into space.

I am from India, but am appalled by the country, I just hope they realise sooner, rather than later that Aliens dont live on the moon.

Sumit, Southall, england

India has suffered technology denail regime adopted by western powers.India has been put to suffer by the Western powers for years by depriving her the required technology. As we have seen Sapce technology has also other useful applications. This is going to help and Indians in the coming future.

Rahul, Pune, India

As the East is ascending, I would suggest the West stops sending aid to India or China. Let India take care of its poor people and prioritize on whether to spend money on expensive moon shots or feed its people. Ditto for China although we need less help as we have fewer poor people.

Yang, Shanghai, China

For decades India provided NASA with scientist lured by the dollars. India constantly had to repool their skills.Its nice to see the scientist are all India educated-it validates Indias science and technology-poverty will always there-our timless oxwagons will always be there and now the moon

Surendra Dayal Patel, king williams town, South Africa

And the reason Britain can`t do such things? If there is no point in us doing it, then no point in anyone else. If there is a point by others, then we are obviously missing out on something and need to rectify it. Maybe we need the money for yet more "central spy/surveillance databases" for NuLab.

Jim, Herts,

India's space programme is and always has been social based.
It is the telecommunications infrastructure done with the aid of Indian satellites which is now beginning to power India's poor out of poverty. The trip to the moon is just wisdom thinking ahead.

Mark Warner, New Delhi, India

SG, you got it wrong! Your Govt's money is not being used for any programme in India! And that too to think that Macaulay's ilk like you would send money without checking where it is being used is unthinkable! Instead, you should be concerned of your money being misused for conversion activity.

Ranjit, Delhi, India

Did we not have global drought, global warming, global warfare during the 60s and 70s? I also seem to recall that both the US and Soviets spending vast resources doing what China and India have recently acheived. And I supect at a relatively cheaper costs given the 'poor quality' of their products

Mike Cheung, Harrogate,

If it`s such a good idea and beneficial - why aren`t we doing it? Can someone tell me? Do we not have the capability?

Jim, Herts,

Indian Space Research programme, including this Moon mission is very application oriented, executed with latest mgmt techniques to cut down costs to a fraction of what others have done before.
These are steps towards a lucrative business. Poverty can also be fought with economic activities like this

Nikhil, Ipswich, UK

For those complaining about aid being given to India going on things like this - the inspiration this will give, the jobs it produces and indigenous skills it requires and fosters will feed and advance India more than any amout of pennies thrown towards it. A fantastic achievement for India.

Philip, Kendal, England

Alan Waters
You seem to be living in an intellectually challenged zone of your own. Wake up,man!! India has a per capital of a trillion dollars plus.
Whats 80 million pounds, fleabite!! The Raj is over , in case you didnt notice it.
Very surprised Indian !!!

swami, Madraas , India

Indian BRAINS are in demand in all verticals globally, now the demand will go and have greater value. It will also give a relief against SENSEX stress and it may also boost coming days.

G Shankaran, Chennai, INDIA

hehe it is really funny see the ignorance and jealousy of western people, whose economies are going down hill.

1. India's GDP (nominal) was 700 billion dollars in 2005. It almost doubled in just 3 yrs to 1.33 trillion dollars in 2008, surpassing canada and Brazil. NEXT in line is UK

Bharat, London, UK

SUPERB MINDBLOWING FANTASTIC. INDIA ROCKS...

Congrats to the whole team of isro and all the scientists who has given every thing to succeed this wonderful mission,It will make proud all the INDIAN throughout the world.You have put India on top of the world. Keep it up, we are all proud of you.

jeevan bhandari, Delhi, India

Dear Alan Watters,
Thanks for your concerns. I could only find 6 countries including India.India wouldn't spend $80 million on a project if it was a poor country. Poverty exists due to corruption but India is driven by 250 million middle class families who are working hard and dreaming better.

Amaresh , Bhubaneswar, India

....let this launch help the world as a whole...dedicating to world paece.

Aby, Kochi, India

I think people who criticise the mission to moon as waste of money are jealous as there country has not been able to do so independently.

Anoop, Birmingham, U.K.

what a waste of money especially for a country with so many poor and starving people,
Alan Watters, Telford, England

Are you by any chance implying that the US does not have poor or starving people?

Muhammad, Cambridge,

So India follows China in the 21st Century space race,given the poor quality and reliability of current Chinese goods and primitively engineered Indian products, what relevance will this have on the main 21st Century issues: global starvation, global drought, global warming and global warfare?

Jim Leasor, Harrogate, England

This is merely a technology demonstration! More are on the way. Despite the badgering this country took from all types of villains across the centuries it is capable of asserting itself and hold its own in a very complex world. But sanctimonious humbug from some doomsayers is soon going to stop!

Narayan PKS, Bangalore, India

So, India join the long list of countries sending rockets were man has already been, what a waste of money especially for a country with so many poor and starving people, would it not be better for the world to pool it's resources and run one space exploration programme?

Alan Watters, Telford, England

An impressive feat, but really what is the point? The moon has no use for man on earth. It is merely an exercise in showing they can do it. The environment, poverty and disease are 3 things (off the top of my head) that need this kind of commitment from any country, the west included.

steve, watford, UK,

Pete- st Albans- you are spot on! The future is gonna be inherited by the survivors only and they will be out there amongst the stars. The dinosaurs / 'hominosaurs' will be long gone. Some do not seem to realise that this is a dying world and one day we will lose it. We are fated to leave-no choices

ric, goa, india

There is a fundamental difference in the charecter of human being and animals. Humans have urge to gain knowledge and eager to know more around us. After having our own know how for such projectes and the country donot venture upon,we will continue to be treated as fools by the world.is it ok?

K.S.Mdhava Rao, Bangalore, India

There is no sence in reaching moon or sun, what is importent is to find the secret of life's existance and growth. And this is the great achievement. I call on those who are so called scientists or MBBS degree holders to look at this direction and find a solution for most unwanted life's DEATH !

mahesh kini, Karkala, INDIA

We sure are poor, than the west. Not a reason to be ashamed of; on the contrary I think this fact should make us even more proud. In spite of all the adversaries, we have managed to do more that the so called prestigious nations like the UK and rest of Europe.

Nikhil, Singapore,

Congratulation India! You have done a great job that many nations never done! Go India!

typ, sichuan, China

Congratulations India! We should welcome the development and advancement of India. As the world's largest democracy with a tolerant progressive english speaking majority, it is a force for good with strong historic ties to the UK. India is a strategic potential trading partner and future ally.

Fred, London, UK

Congrats India!

typ, sichuan, China

I am so happy for our India. Never stopped progressing even after being plundered for centuries. Way to go!

Maya, Bombay, India

congratulation!!!India!!!

yuan lubei, jiangxi, china

If we humans are to move forward as a race, we have to stop this riddiculous idea of trying to keep all the poor alive! The money has to be spent on science & technology, not keeping a family of 10 alive in some backwater.
In nature if the weak cannot keep up, they are left behind & invariably die!

Pete, St Albans, England

I think its fantastic. Gods speed and best of luck with your future endeavors. Hopefully as more nations join the space race it will further enhance our global technology.

chris, rochdale, UK

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050318/asp/nation/story_4507898.asp

18 March 2005 report in the Calcutta Telegraph. British aid to India is currently £200 million per year, shortly to rise to £300 million per year.

Keith Wilson, Beziers, France

A little context for our well-meaning European complainers: India's 07-08 rural infrastructure development budget was INR 2,460 billion. Our moon mission - with all the associated tech and manpower development it will lead to - costs INR 4.25 billion, or thereabouts. Stop lecturing us on priorities.

NR, Chennai, India

Congrats India! While we gloat over ISRO's success in space, shouldnt we launch on war footing a mission to feed millions of us who go hungry to bed, die without getting any medical treatment, still burn cow-dung cakes to cook our food and live in extremely inhuman sanitary conditions. God save us.

NK Pant, Dehradun, India

India is a country coping with many complex social, political and global issues. The Moon Shot is an example of India's desire to thrust itself forward as an Asian Super Power to rival China. Good! What it needs now is a seat on the U.N. Security Council. Well done, India.

Radant Wood, Caceres, Spain

Beating the Aussies since 2005 and launching a rocket to the moon in the same week ,can't be bad. What other magic tricks has India got up its sleeve???? Well done INDIA !!!!

MR K S SETHI, hounslow, uk

Thanks Shi!!

Sanjeev, Roorkee, India

From a member of the former colonial rulers, well done India. It takes a great nation to reach for something so special. Not everyone here begruges you success.

Ian Muirhead, Manchester, United Kingdom

@SG: Please provide a valid base to your allegations!

SaiKiran, Freiburg,

I think the western contries have reached a stage that they can only talk but do nothing.considering the recession going on they should go back and correct their house.do you who is proving loan to 700 billion loan to US to come out of this crisis??

truman, london,

INDIA ROCKS !!!!!!

Jimmy, Kolkata,

Congratulation India.This is great acheivement.Next send the man on moon.

Virumal Motwani, Escondido CA, USA

thank you shi from china. Hope we work together to go to moon. its taking time to work independently for each of us.

SaiKiran, Freiburg,

The reason India investing in space program is it wants the world to look at India as a nation that is progressing and preparing for its next role in the world stange as a dynamic super power.
Space odyssey is not in cards for every country and only the best of the crops achieve this.
Congrats.

K. Paily, Toronto,

Some of the comments against the moon mission are ignorant sneering resentment that a former colony is doing so well.
Remember the TV series "It ain't half hot mum" ?
Well forget it.
THe Romans had an empire once, you were part of it, the Italians don't cry over it, why should you ?

jasbir Singh Dhillon, London, UK

For your kind information Mr SG , INDIA is the main source for your named country to get the food and the manpower, who wants to fight with his precious kitchen and Safe? congrats India, keep the the flag heigher and heigher

Saugata, Kolkata, India

On what basis do u establish that donated money goes nuclear?
Last time I heard India was not accepting any "aids" from other countries i.e governments on any basis.
Most of the money people from the west donate to the so called charities goes towards converting people into christianity.

karthik, Hyderabad, India

'Aid to India' ?. It stopped sometime back. Be Informed.
More than just money - it takes years to build scientific & engineering capabilities in terms of human resources and infrastructure required to run and sustain such space projects. Meanwhile - More Indian co's are waiting to gobble up UK co's

Life Observer, Chennai,

Gentlemen,
Just to keep you all well informed, Government of India does not solicit or accept any foreign aid as a matter of policy since the Nuclear Tests of 1998.

Srivastava, Stamford, USA

We know now that aid given to India goes towards nuclear weapons and missions to the moon.
Meanwhile millions of Indians live in poverty.
You know it makes sense?

P. Smith, London, England

Congratulations to the ISRO scientists who worked so hard over the years to achieve this. It feels great!

Mayank, New Delhi, India

Eureka!!!....We have done it.....Congratlations to all our countrymen....

sourabh, Bangalore, India

WHY is UK giving millions in food and health aid to India when they are spending millions on Moon shots, ICBMs and nuclear weapons.
Let them feed and care for their own people first.

WHY are we so stupid? No more aid to India!

SG, London, UK

congratulation!!!India!!!

shi, china,