In response to unwarranted controversies surrounding his yet-to-be-published autobiography, S. Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has decided to postpone the formal release of his book.
Somanath clarified, “The book is not published yet. Some review copies have been seen by the press, I think. I am withholding its release, as unnecessary controversies have cropped up. The intent of the book is to inspire young people to look at struggles and overcome them,” he told IANS.
He expressed concern that the media had focused on only a small portion of the book. “I was trying to highlight the challenges one faces while climbing to the top. This is not about claiming that Dr. Sivan (former ISRO chief) prevented or obstructed me. I wish to disagree with the interpretation in the article,” Somanath stated, referring to a news report.
When asked whether he planned to revise the controversial portions in his autobiography, he responded, “I am not publishing it for the time being.”
In his autobiography titled ‘Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal’ (The Lions that Drank the Moon), Somanath is reported to have mentioned that his elevation to the position of Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) was delayed by K. Sivan after the latter became the Chairman of ISRO.
According to Somanath, he was promoted only after the intervention of former VSSC Director B.N. Suresh.
As per the news report, Somanath’s autobiography also suggests that the Director of U.R. Rao Space Centre was made a member of the Space Commission to prevent him (Somanath) from becoming the ISRO Chairman, while Sivan was attempting to secure an extension.
