ISRO Chairman Somanath Withdraws Memoir After Controversy

Indian Space Research Organisation chief S Somanath on Saturday said he had decided against publishing his autobiography following the row over some of his alleged critical remarks about his predecessor...

Ruby Thakur
November 6, 2023
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Indian Space Research Organisation chief S Somanath on Saturday said he had decided against publishing his autobiography following the row over some of his alleged critical remarks about his predecessor K Sivan in the book. Somanath confirmed that he has decided to withdraw the publication of the book ‘Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal’ (loosely translated as – Lions that drank the moonlight).

ISRO Chairman Somanath Withdraws Memoir After Controversy

Why In News

Indian Space Research Organisation chief S Somanath on Saturday said he had decided against publishing his autobiography following the row over some of his alleged critical remarks about his predecessor K Sivan in the book. Somanath confirmed that he has decided to withdraw the publication of the book ‘Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal’ (loosely translated as – Lions that drank the moonlight).

What’s The Controversy

The controversy came to light when reports surfaced, suggesting that Somanath’s autobiography contained disparaging comments about K Sivan.

The decision from Somnath came after a report published in the Malayala Manorama on Saturday stated that the book suggests that K. Sivan, former ISRO Chairman and Mr. Somanath’s immediate predecessor, may have hindered critical promotions that Somanath thought were due.
Somanath acknowledged discussing the lack of clarity regarding the Chandrayaan-2 mission failure in his book.

Mention Of Chandrayaan – 2

This mission, India’s second lunar attempt in 2019, did not achieve its soft-landing objective.
According to the excerpts of the book, which The Hindu report says was viewed by the publication, what is palpable was “Somanath’s discomfort with the “Chairman [Dr. Sivan’s]” decision not to be explicit about the reasons for the failure of the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

That a software glitch was at fault was known only subsequently. However, the crashing of the lander was known on that day itself.
There was no point in calling it a communication failure… [as Chairman Sivan had described it].
However, every Chairman can choose what they communicate. I believe that whatever success or failure happens should be transparently communicated. I’m not criticising Dr. Sivan though,”
The issue was a software glitch but was publicly communicated as an “inability to communicate with the lander”

Clarification Issued

The Isro chairman reiterated that his autobiography primarily serves as an inspirational narrative for those who aspire to overcome life’s challenges and obstacles, rather than a platform for criticism.
“There has been some misinterpretation. At no point have I said that Dr. Sivan tried to prevent me from becoming the Chairman. All I said was that being made a member of the Space Commission is generally seen as a stepping stone to [ISRO’s chairmanship]. However, a director from another [ISRO centre] was placed, so naturally that trimmed my chances [at chairmanship].
He stated, “Individuals in key roles often face various challenges, including those related to securing positions within an organization,” clarifying that such challenges are part of everyone’s journey.
He added, “My intention was not to single out any specific individual; I simply aimed to highlight a particular aspect.”

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Ruby Thakur

General Studies Lecturer SSBCrackExams, BSc In PCM, Trained Students For State Services Exams. Expertise in Geography ,Polity & Current Affairs. Love Travelling.