From Aspiring Doctor to ISRO Chief: The Unconventional Journey of Dr. S. Somanath

Dr. S. Somanath, the current Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), recently shared some surprising details about his career aspirations during a talk at Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR University in Chennai. Contrary to what one might expect, Somanath initially wanted to become a doctor and was even a top student in Biology in his home state of Kerala.

The Influence of a Father

Somanath's father played a significant role in shaping his career path. A teacher by profession and a science enthusiast at heart, his father often brought home books on astronomy and other scientific subjects. Although Somanath couldn't read many of these books initially due to his schooling in the Malayalam language, his father's influence was profound. His father advised him to consider Engineering or Mathematics as a career, citing the demanding nature of the medical profession.

A Change in Direction

Taking his father's advice to heart, Somanath chose to pursue engineering. Interestingly, he didn't specialize in any particular field when he graduated; he was a Mechanical Engineer. However, his interest in propulsion led him to ISRO, where he became part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project.

The Intersection of Medicine and Space Exploration

During his talk at MGR University, Somanath also touched upon the importance of integrating software and AI tools in the medical field. He envisioned a future where embedded medicinal kits could be placed in the human body to deliver drugs as and when required. Somanath emphasized that such technologies are essential for human colonies on other planets, where the services of doctors would be indispensable.

Dr. S. Somanath's journey from aspiring doctor to ISRO Chief is a testament to the unpredictable paths that life can take. His story also highlights the significant impact that parental guidance can have on one's career choices. As he continues to make strides in space exploration, Somanath also keeps an eye on the potential intersections between medicine and technology, reminding us that the boundaries between different fields are often more porous than we think.