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| G.Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO |
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Although he now plans projects for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) 20 years into the future, when he joined the organization way back in 1967, he had no long-term career plans. And yet, after 3½ decades of hardwork and stellar performance, G.Madhavan Nair is the Chairman of ISRO, Secretary of Space as well as Chairman, Space Commission.
A graduate from College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram in 1966, he joined the ISRO after 1 year at Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. His willingness to work upto 18 hours a day, coupled with the guidance from stalwarts like Vikram Sarabhai and President, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam saw him conquer new heights in the space explorations of India.
He considers as the biggest challenge, launching of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Designing the most powerful rocket in the world caused quite a number of technical hassles, but more important was the networking of 3000 scientists and technologists for the purpose. And he considers the the launching of the PSLV as most memorable moment of his life.
He was involved in the development of state-of-the-art cryogenic engines, which only the developed nations had then possessed and whose secret they were reluctant to share. Similarly, he was involved in the application of remote sensing using satellites.
In addition to the national honour of Padma Bhushan, he has been conferred the Om Prakash Bhas award, Swadesi Sastra award, Vikram Sarabhai gold medal etc.
His wife is working in ISRO, Thiruvananthapuram while his 2 sons, Dileepan and Jayakrishnan are employed in Bangalore.
Courtesy: Sunny Jerome, Malayala Manorama, October 12, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
