Former ISRO Chairman Sivan & Somanath, his successor are one and the same in Science, Objectives & Patriotism
K. Sivan the former Chairman of ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization and his successor S Somanath both would have the same objectives professionally. The lay public may have no reason to pick one over the other, despite the controversy over Somanath's autobiography.
Somanth's Difference Of Opinion With Sivan
The formal launch of his book has been temporarily withdrawn by Somanath himself. This is on account of Somanath reminiscing about a couple of incidents involving his predecessor.
Personalities May Differ Though
Their individual personalities may differ, though the immense technical value they have brought to ISRO professionally might be similar. Technically, their root cause analysis of any technical issue may be similar or same, but the way they might go about communicating it may be different.
Difference Of Opinion
Somanath in his book has stated his difference of opinion regarding the reason given by Dr Sivan for the failure of Chandrayaan-2 to land properly on the moon. Somanath has also expressed his unhappiness about a person (from another Indian Research Insitution) being brought in as a Director at ISRO during Dr Sivan's tenure as Chairman. Somanath felt this move could have weakened his prospects of being made the next Chairperson. Ideally, he (Somanath) felt that he should have been made the Director which would have also facilitated his progression.
Somanath Entitled To His Opinion
Cool Chilli (without the benefit of knowing Malayalam enough to read the book) feels Somanath is well within his rights to express his thoughts on the subject and on his (once) Supervisor. As long as there is no bitterness and no unbridled allegation.
In Ending
Dr Sivan should ideally take the views of Somanath in the right spirit. Healthy sharing of these incidents help us get better public debates for more understanding and transparent governance. Hopefully there may be translations of this book available in other languages too so that many young minds in India and other developing nations also benefit. Just as Vishnu and Shiva are similar but complementing forces, the differences between Sivan and Somnath (if any) to be clarified and resolved for Science & Technology to continue march ing forward in India.
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