An Inspiring Journey: From Small Town Student to ISRO Chairman

In a recent interview, Dr. S. Somanath shared his remarkable journey from a small town engineering student to becoming a distinguished leader at ISRO. His story embodies perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of continuous learning, offering valuable insights and takeaways for students and professionals alike.

Dr. Somnath’s early years were rooted in an environment rich with reading, though not oriented towards science, engineering, or technology. Initially aspiring to be a school teacher like his father, “that was the highest job which I had ever dreamt about.” said Dr. Somnath.

He slowly shifted gears as his academic talents became evident. Excelling in science and mathematics, he topped his SSLC exams from a school with a mere 30 percent pass rate, highlighting his extraordinary potential.

“My class teacher wanted me to write the IIT entrance examination and gave me a guide book for an IIT entrance in 10th standard itself.” said Dr. Somnath. Despite his aptitude, Dr. Somnath faced resistance at every turn. His headmaster advised against attempting the IIT entrance exam due to financial constraints, leading him to enroll in a local engineering college. There, his determination saw him through to complete his engineering despite the absence of an entrance examination at the time.

Dr. Somnath's dream of studying at an IIT never wavered. After joining ISRO, he persistently requested to pursue higher studies. Repeated denials didn’t deter him until, nine years later, he got the opportunity to earn his Masters degree in Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (M.Tech., Aerospace Engineering), securing a gold medal. “Because we were on a project of PSLV design and building. So after that was done, only I was allowed to go for higher studies.” he added.

Amidst his professional successes, Dr. Somnath, faced a personal challenge, cancer. “I was diagnosed with cancer and went through chemotherapy. It was then  that I looked back to relook at my passions, the ones which I left behind, and ones which I should fulfill.” he added.

His diagnosis didn’t deter him; instead, it spurred him on to fulfill his unaddressed dreams. He penned publications, attended seminars, and wrote his thesis, often burning the midnight oil after office hours.

Dr. Somnath, emphasizes that formal education is just the beginning. His time at ISRO taught him the importance of continuous learning across varied domains. “Although I may not have formal education in many fields, I've discovered that I can grasp and understand a wide range of subjects, even those I've never explored before. This ability stems from a deep-seated drive to learn and an insatiable curiosity to study."

He reinforces that true understanding emerges from practical experience and interaction with knowledgeable individuals, urging students to foster a lifelong learning attitude.

Dr.Somnath advises small-town engineering students to cultivate their passions and drive. “It's a passion which is very important. I have been working for the last 38 years, but I still feel I joined only yesterday,” he added, “If you think that you need to learn it, anything can be learned.”

He reflects that it's the passion for one’s work that sustains motivation over decades. Highlighting the necessity to adapt and develop new interests as required, Dr.Somnath, narrates his own shift from a biology enthusiast to a mathematics and engineering proponent.

Addressing the current trend of engineering students shifting to software careers, Dr. Somnath contextualizes this within economic and job-market realities. “After I joined about five to six years later, in 1990s, the software industry was booming and there was a huge amount of retirement happening from ISRO at that point.” he said.

He acknowledges that the landscape of employment has changed since his time, and advises students to be open but also discerning about their career choices. While some trends may be driven by immediate job availability, Dr. Somnath advocates for staying true to one's core passions and fields of study whenever possible.

Dr. Somnath, emphasizes the significance of mentorship within professional environments. “Dr. Ramakrishnan, has been my mentor for almost 20 years.” he stated.

Contrary to rigid hierarchies, informal mentorship and guidance often play a pivotal role in career development. “For you to do certain things, mentorship is important.” he added. Reflecting on his journey, he credits the informal support and mentorship he received as crucial to his progression and success.

Dr. Somnath’s journey from a small-town student to a chairman at ISRO is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and mentorship. His story serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring engineers and students, demonstrating that with passion, dedication, and the right guidance, even the loftiest of dreams can become a reality.

His experiences underscore the importance of not just academic excellence but also adaptability, resilience, and the willingness to learn and grow continuously. Through his work and interactions, Dr. Somnath continues to inspire and uplift the future generations, ensuring his legacy is one of both professional success and invaluable mentorship.