## **‘He’s like me, rose from poverty to the top’: Former ISRO chief K Sivan on new chairman V Narayanan**
In a significant leadership transition, Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), succeeding S. Somanath. Dr. Narayanan, a distinguished aerospace engineer, is set to officially assume the role on January 14, 2025, for a two-year term.

Dr. Narayanan's journey from humble beginnings mirrors that of former ISRO chief Dr. K. Sivan. Both hail from rural backgrounds in Tamil Nadu and have risen through the ranks of ISRO due to their dedication and expertise. Dr. Sivan, reflecting on Dr. Narayanan's appointment, remarked, "He’s like me, rose from poverty to the top," underscoring the shared resilience and commitment that have propelled both scientists to the pinnacle of India's space endeavors.

**Early Life and Education**

Dr. V. Narayanan was born in Melakattuvilai village near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, into a farming family. He completed his schooling and Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME) with top honors. Demonstrating an early aptitude for engineering, he pursued an Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) in Mechanical Engineering. His academic journey led him to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he earned a Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Cryogenic Engineering in 1989, followed by a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering in 2001.

Similarly, Dr. K. Sivan was born in Sarakkalvilai, near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, into a farming family. He studied in a Tamil medium government school and was the first graduate from his family. Dr. Sivan graduated with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Madras Institute of Technology in 1980. He then obtained a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1982, and later earned a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in 2006.

**Professional Trajectory at ISRO**

Dr. Narayanan commenced his career at ISRO in 1984, initially contributing to the Solid Propulsion area for Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicles (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). In 1989, after completing his M.Tech., he transitioned to the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), focusing on the development of India's cryogenic propulsion systems. His leadership as Project Director of the C25 Cryogenic Project was pivotal in the development of the C25 Cryogenic Propulsion System for the GSLV Mk-III Launch Vehicle. In 2018, he ascended to the position of Director of LPSC, overseeing the development of liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles, as well as chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites.

Dr. K. Sivan joined ISRO in 1982, contributing significantly to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Project. He played a major role in reviving the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) program and was the chief architect of the 6D trajectory simulation software, SITARA, which is extensively used for real-time and non-real-time trajectory simulations of all ISRO launch vehicles. Dr. Sivan held various key positions, including Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), before being appointed as the Chairman of ISRO in January 2018.

**Leadership and Vision**

As he prepares to lead ISRO, Dr. Narayanan is poised to oversee several ambitious projects, including the development of a space station by 2035 and a manned moon mission by 2040. Under his guidance, ISRO aims to increase India's share in the global commercial space market from $8 billion to $44 billion over the next decade, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to position India as a profitable space superpower.

Dr. K. Sivan's tenure as ISRO Chairman was marked by significant achievements, including the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's second lunar exploration mission, in July 2019. Although the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover faced challenges, the orbiter continues to function, contributing valuable data. Dr. Sivan's leadership emphasized the development of indigenous technologies and the expansion of India's space capabilities.

**Conclusion**

The appointment of Dr. V. Narayanan as ISRO Chairman signifies a continuation of the organization's tradition of leadership excellence, characterized by individuals who have risen from modest beginnings to spearhead India's space endeavors. His extensive experience and visionary outlook are expected to propel ISRO toward achieving its ambitious goals, further solidifying India's position in the global space arena. The parallels between Dr. Narayanan's and Dr. Sivan's journeys underscore the transformative power of education and dedication, inspiring future generations to contribute to India's scientific and technological advancements.

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