From struggling with hostel fees to leading space agency: ISRO chief S Somnath shares his inspiring journey

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath has written his autobiography titled ‘Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal,’ which is loosely translated as ‘lions that drank the moonlight’. It is a compelling account that traces his remarkable journey from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of India’s premier space research organisation.

The book was inspired by the success of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO’s moon mission headed by Somanath. Somnath shared that this book is for those people who are talented yet grappling with self-doubt. Scheduled for release in November, the book is being published by Kerala-based Lipi Publications.

“It is actually the story of an ordinary village youth who doesn’t even know whether to join engineering or BSc... about his dilemmas, right decisions he made in life, and the opportunities he received in a country like India,” he told PTI.

The ISRO chief further said that there was no one to guide him in the initial years of his studies, and if a person had not bought him an admission form from the engineering college unexpectedly, he would have joined BSc or some other course.

“The book is not intended to teach my life story. Its only intention is to inspire people to chase their dreams while battling adversities in life,” the ISRO Chairman added.

When asked why he chose to write the book in Malayalam, Somanath replied, “Because I am a Malayali and I am more comfortable writing in my mother tongue,” he said with a smile.

The book reveals that he used to stay in a tiny lodge room in Kollam district due to a financial crunch while studying at TKM Engineering College decades ago. He commuted to the college by riding an old bicycle as he could not afford the bus fare and was forced to skip the study tour.

The autobiography highlights his personal life and develops through his journey in ISRO till the launch of Chandrayaan-3.

(With inputs from PTI)