Thiruvananthapuram, October 25 : While he has played a pivotal role in India’s lunar achievements and ventures to explore the Sun and space, ISRO Chairman S Somanath’s extraordinary journey began with an old bicycle and modest lodging to cut college expenses.
These early life anecdotes, among many others, are featured in his upcoming Malayalam autobiography, which he views as a source of inspiration for those blessed with talent but lacking confidence. Titled “Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal” (Taming the Moon Tigers), this autobiography promises to be a motivational account, highlighting the significance of hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Somanath found time to document his life story amid the backdrop of Chandrayaan-3’s success and the ongoing Aditya-L1 solar mission and Gaganyaan test vehicle launches. The book, published by Kerala-based Lipi Publications, is scheduled for release in November.
Although it narrates his life’s journey from a humble village upbringing, his rise within ISRO, and his journey to becoming ISRO Chairman, Somanath prefers to describe it as an inspirational story rather than a typical autobiography. “It is the story of an ordinary village youth who faced dilemmas about his career path, made the right decisions, and seized opportunities in India,” he explained.
He emphasized that the book’s primary purpose is not to showcase his life but to inspire people to pursue their dreams despite life’s challenges. Somanath recalled his modest rural beginnings and expressed gratitude for the immense opportunities that India presented to him.
The inspiration to write the book came from the profound impact of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on society, especially on children. He wanted to show that, despite conflicts and dilemmas, it’s essential to make the most of the right opportunities in life and choose the best career path.
In the book, Somanath describes in detail how financial constraints forced him to stay in a small lodging in Kollam district and commute to TKM Engineering College on an old bicycle because he couldn’t afford the bus fare. Despite the initial lack of guidance, unexpected assistance with an admission form set him on the path to engineering.
Asked about the role of luck versus hard work in his life, Somanath turned philosophical and emphasized that both are important. He believes that while luck plays a part initially, one must also be mentally prepared to seize opportunities when they arise and recognize the significance of people who cross their path with a purpose.
Throughout his life, various individuals played key roles in his journey, including his father, the person who provided him with an admission form, his first boss Ramakrishnan, former ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan, and others. The autobiography unfolds through these personal phases and his experiences within ISRO, culminating in the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3.
The book also delves into the stories of rocket manufacturing, PSLV, GSLV Mark III, and the Chandrayaan-3 mission. When asked why he chose to write the book in Malayalam, Somanath explained, “Because I am a Malayali, and I feel more comfortable writing in my mother tongue.”
