(AI translated version of चांद पर पिकनिक)

Chapter – 1

23 August 2023.

Like other cities of the country, the people of Bhopal were also glued to the TV on this day. Everyone was waiting in their homes for Chandrayaan-3 launched by India to touch the moon’s surface. As soon as Chandrayaan-3 touched the moon’s surface after 6 pm and landed successfully, every Indian’s head was raised with pride. We have conquered the moon! We hoisted the tricolour on the moon! With such emotions, celebrations started everywhere. Kanika, Aditya, Sameer and Yashika were also involved in this celebration.

On hearing this news, the three friends created a ruckus at Yashika’s house. They danced to their heart’s content and sang patriotic songs in such a way that Yashika’s father Neeraj Tomar, an engineer in the PWD department, also started clapping mesmerized. There was no sign of the enthusiasm of these people decreasing. Tomar’s chest also swelled with pride due to this unprecedented achievement of the country. He immediately took out a 500 rupee note from his pocket and sent Yashika’s mother Damyanti to get sweets and samosas from a nearby shop.

After this, Tomar called his childhood friend, Director Rajendra Agnihotri at the Regional Science Center on his mobile phone. Agnihotri’s excited voice came from the other side.

Agnihotri – Congratulations Tomar Sahab! The country has achieved a great achievement.

To this, Tomar said – Yes brother! Congratulations to you too! Finally, the hard work of the country’s scientists has been successful. There is a festive atmosphere at our home too and slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai are being raised in the streets. People are taking out rallies holding the tricolor in their hands. They are bursting crackers.

Agnihotri said – Bhai Sahab! There is a similar atmosphere in our area too. The zeal and enthusiasm of the people are worth seeing. And tell me, how do you remember?

Tomar said — Bhaisahab! Yashika’s friends are very happy here. Their emotions are overflowing. But I think they don’t know much about this mission. Will you guide them?

Agnihotri said — Yes, yes why not? So bring them to my house. I will also show some audio-visual material on my projector here and will share whatever I know about this mission with the children.

Soon Yashika’s mother came with samosas and sweets. Tomar enjoyed it with his family and Yashika’s friends. After this, they boarded his car and reached Rajendra Agnihotri’s house in Char Imli. When these people came there, Agnihotri was busy setting up his projector in his drawing room. Seeing the enthusiastic children, Agnihotri’s face also lit up. After saluting Agnihotri, Kanika said.

Kanika — Uncle! It looks so beautiful when the moon rises at night. My mother has firmly established in my mind that the moon is the earth’s mama. I too see a glimpse of the moon in my uncle Saurabh. Whenever he comes from Kashmir, he brings me one gift after another. He serves in the army. Whenever I remember him, I sing in my soft voice the song that my mother had taught me – Chanda Mama se pyara mera mama, meri aankhon ka tara mera mama!

Sameer said – Wait a minute. After a successful landing on the moon, Chandrayaan-3 has now become the new star of our eyes. But we don’t know much about Chandrayaan-3. Uncle! We want you to shed some light on this.

Sameer said – Wait a minute. After a successful landing on the moon, Chandrayaan-3 has now become the new star of our eyes. But we don’t know much about Chandrayaan-3. Uncle! We want you to shed some light on this.

On this, Agnihotri said in a proud voice – Right children! The success of the lunar mission is a great achievement for the country. Would you like to know how the country achieved this feat?

(To be contd. …)