Before assuming the role of chairperson at India’s space agency, Dr. V Narayanan visited the temple in his hometown, a small village named Melakattuvilai in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district. He was pleasantly surprised to find nearly 600 people there, gathered to celebrate his achievements ISRO Chief Announces missions.
ISRO Chief Revolutionizes Cryogenic Engine Development missions
Coming from a farming family, he studied by the light of kerosene lamps until his house was electrified in the ninth grade. He excelled in all his exams and went on to play a key role in building the country’s cryogenic engine program from the ground up. From the initial design to the first flight, his team set the record for the fastest development of a cryogenic engine. This engine now powers India’s heaviest launch vehicle, LVM3, which will also be used to carry Indian astronauts to space.
ISRO Chief Reflects on Early Education and Career Guidance
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I come from a very modest background, and I consider it a great blessing that my parents allowed me to continue my education at a time when most children in my village dropped out much earlier. I was doing well academically and even secured the top rank in my school. My father then consulted someone about my next steps, and they suggested that a diploma from a polytechnic college would guarantee me a job.
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After enrolling in the course, I realized that I should have pursued an engineering degree instead. However, I kept studying and once again secured the top rank. I was also lucky to receive a campus job offer. But then, I had to choose between taking the job or continuing my education. While my father wanted me to keep studying, financial constraints made it difficult, so I decided to take the job. I was, however, disappointed.