Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

V Narayanan is becoming the Chief at a time when ISRO has so many goals, read the exclusive interview.

New Delhi: ISRO on Sunday moved cautiously towards testing a complex indigenously developed satellite docking exercise. Mastery of docking is an achievement that only the US, Russia and China can claim. ISRO’s new chief, rocket scientist V Narayanan, will take charge tomorrow (January 14). Narayanan, who has 41 years of space research experience, told Times of India (TOI) correspondent Chetan Kumar about the work culture of the space agency and India’s missions that will help it become a space superpower. 60-year-old Narayanan was born in Melakattuvilai, Kanyakumari. In the village, farmer C. Vanniaperumal and housewife S. It happened at Thangammal’s house. he/she grew up in ordinary circumstances. The eldest of six siblings, Narayanan studied in Tamil medium government schools. Due to poor infrastructure there, studies used to be disrupted during the rainy season. Electricity came to his/her house when he/she was in ninth grade. Before joining ISRO in 1984, he/she worked for some time in TI Diamond Chain and MRF. Driven by the urge to learn, he/she completed AMIE in Mechanical Engineering, followed by MTech in Cryogenic Engineering and a Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. From a humble village in Tamil Nadu to becoming the Chairman of ISRO, Narayanan’s journey is an epitome of determination and excellence.

Question: Did you always aspire to join ISRO? Tell us about your journey.

Answer: My beginning was simple. When I stood first in class 10, my father asked someone in the village what to do. he/she was told that I should be admitted to a polytechnic course so that I could get a job. It was only later that I understood many things including engineering. My only concern at that time was to get a good job.

So, I cannot say that I had great ambitions to join ISRO as a young boy. I grew up in a village. At that time I did not know anything about ISRO. It was only after completing my studies that I came to know about ISRO. Till then I just wanted a good job. But I always believed that whatever work one does, one should give one’s best. I initially joined VSSC, worked on sounding rocket activities, then did MTech, where I was a class topper and won the best student award. After that I did my PhD while working.

Question: So are you surprised by the elevation to ISRO chief?

Answer: This was a big surprise for me. I felt very proud that I was entrusted with this responsibility. The first thought that came to my mind was the wonderful team of ISRO. I feel great knowing that we can achieve our goals together. It is a big responsibility, but since the entire team is behind me wholeheartedly, I am confident that we can accomplish our mission.

Question: What will be the immediate priorities of ISRO under your leadership?

Answer: Our immediate focus is on several key missions. This month we will launch the NVS-02 navigation satellite, the second satellite of our second generation navigation system. We are also preparing for the first unmanned flight of the Gaganyaan program in the coming months. Additionally, we have important missions like Venus mission and development of next generation launcher which can place 30 thousand kilograms of mass in low earth orbit. The Prime Minister has also approved the first module of the development of the space station.

Question: Can you elaborate on ISRO’s role in supporting private industry?

Answer: As part of the reforms in the space sector, ISRO has the responsibility to take over the private industries and startups of the country. We will support them in various space related activities including satellite development, data processing and launcher development.

Q: ISRO now works shoulder to shoulder with agencies like NASA… What are your thoughts about the next few years?

Answer: Today India has become quite mature in space technology. Only power respects power. Earlier we were in the initial stages, now we have become very capable in many areas and are making significant contributions. We believe that some activities are best done collaboratively by taking others into confidence. International cooperation will continue to increase substantially.

Q: How do you plan to address the challenges, especially with ambitious projects like NGLV?

Answer: Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) is indeed an important project, which has Liquid Oxygen Methane Propulsion System. But I have confidence in the capability of the ISRO team. Teamwork has always been the key to our success. We believe that organization and country are above the individual. Based on the capability and dedication of this team, I am 100% confident that we will accomplish all our programs and contribute to the development of our country.

Q: How do you think about team management?

Answer: I believe that people in ISRO do not work just for money, the satisfaction and encouraging environment here motivates them to contribute maximum. My focus is on ensuring that people are happy and comfortable because that’s when they naturally give their best performance. If the environment is good then everyone contributes better.

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