Former Isro chief Radhakrishnan nominated as IIT-Kanpur board chairman

NEW DELHI: K Radhakrishnan , the former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), has been nominated as the chairperson of the Board of Governors of IIT Kanpur. The space scientist was the prime driver of the country's Mangalyaan (Mars) mission in 2014. He had also played a key role in Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 as director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Isro centre that specialises in launchers.

On his IIT nomination, Radhakrishnan told TOI, "Indeed, an honour and privilege and above all an exciting opportunity to team up with the board, the director and colleagues in their strive to steer pre-eminent institution to the next level of excellence, eminence and prominence, nationally and globally."

Radhakrishnan, who was Isro chairman from 2009 to 2014, was nominated by the President in his capacity as visitor of the IIT for a period of three years with effect from February 19. Hailing from Kerala's Thrissur district, the 69-year-old will continue as an honorary distinguished adviser to the Department of Space and will keep advising Isro on its space programmes.

After studying electrical engineering from Kerala, he pursued postgraduate studies in management from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in 1974-76.

A doctorate from IIT Kharagpur, Radhakrishnan's career in Isro spanned almost 40 years, during which he served as director of VSSC (2007-2009) and director of Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Agency (2005-2008). He also had a five-year stint (2000-2005) in the ministry of earth sciences as director of Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services.

In 2018, the Union government nominated him from India to provide consultancy and advice to the UAE space agency. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Radhakrishnan has penned his life story in 'My Odyssey'. "I wrote the book to share my life's experiences, especially with the younger generation. I want them to know how a small-town boy reached this position and get motivated by the story. I faced several hardships, but overcame them all, as an individual." he said.

Besides being an eminent space scientist, Radhakrishnan is also a Carnatic music and Kathakali enthusiast and performer. He was drawn into the world of performing arts from childhood. After formal training in Kerala Natanam under Professor Thrippunithura Vijayabhanu, he received training in Kathakali dance under Guru Pallippuram Gopalan Nair, Kalanilayam Raghavan and TVA Varier. He was also trained in Carnatic music by eminent musicians like professor Vechoor Harihara Subramania Iyer, RK Srikantan and Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana.

Inspired by his life and achievements in space sector, renowned filmmaker Nikhil Advani had in 2017 announced a venture to make a biopic on Radhakrishnan.