The humble son of a farmer who studied in local government schools in Tamil medium at Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu is now all set to helm India’s premier Space agency ISRO. K Sivan, now Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, who has been named the next Secretary of Space Department and Chairman of Space Commission and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Dr K Sivan, Director, ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
Chennai:
“Sivan is the first graduate in the family,” his uncle A Shunmugavel said. Recalling Sivan’s student days, Shunmugavel said that the rocket expert was “self-made, studious and hard working. On his elevation, Sivan said, “It is a post held by legendary people and I accept it with humility.” He recalled the efforts of his seniors and work by juniors in space initiatives (for organisational and nation’s growth) and said the government also “believed in me.”
Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin, on Thursday greeted Sivan on his appointment as ISRO chief. I congratulate you on your appointment as the Chairman of ISRO. It is a matter of pride for Tamil Nadu that a person from our state has attained such a high position,” Palaniswami said.
The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Sivan’s appointment as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of Space Commission for a three-year tenure. Sivan’s appointment was cleared on Wednesday, two days ahead of the proposed historic launch of ISRO’s 100th satellite along with 30 others in a single mission from Sriharikota.
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