NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight congratulated ISRO on being conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize, saying it was a fitting tribute to the hard work of generations of scientists.

"Congratulations to @isro on being conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize," he tweeted, hours after the space agency was presented the award by President Pranab Mukherjee here.

"This is a fitting tribute to the hardwork of generations of scientists," Modi added.

ISRO was given the prize in recognition of its services in transforming India through the use of space technology and space based services.

ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar received the honour which carries Rs one crore in cash, a plaque and a citation.

"Countering the challenges of scarce resources, limited technical manpower and physical infrastructure in the early years, ISRO has today established operational space systems and services, attained self-reliance in development of indigenous technology and accomplished exemplary feats in space exploration.

"It has, at the same time, remained true to its mission of bringing space to the service of the common man," the President said.

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