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My Odyssey: Memoirs of the Man behind the Mangalyaan Mission
In 2014, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan was named one of the top ten scientists in the world by Nature magazinethe first Indian scientist to be so honoured. Earlier that year, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully ran the Mars Orbiter Mission, popularly known as the Mangalyaan mission. ISROs Moon Rover, scheduled for 2018, is also Radhakrishnans brainchild. Witness to the transformation of Indias space programme in the early 1980s, Radhakrishnan cut his teeth with the SLV-3 project, the countrys first satellite launch vehicle. He worked with stalwarts like Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prof. Satish Dhawan and Mr Y.S. Rajan, wearing several different hats during his illustrious and challenging career. Radhakrishnan eventually turned major setbacks into roaring successes by his unfailingly belief in human endeavour and a commitment to excellence. Packed with invaluable information and insights, this fascinating memoir takes us behind the scenes of Indias cutting-edge world of scientific achievement.
- GenresBiography
328 pages, Hardcover
Published November 24, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 3, 2020
a very straight forward, to the point book by a man of character, conscience, ambition, talent and a bit of luck.
August 2, 2017
“There are things more important than talent and hard work and luck- These are character and conscience”
My Odyssey
It is blessing to live a life worth writing a book. My Odyssey is a vindicating testimony to the fact that the author had one. By narrating his personal journey, the author inadvertently reveals the uniqueness of ISRO. He deliberates about the professional camaraderie and technical democracy, emphasising the process of collective decision making and impassioned leadership in the organization resulting in transparency and efficiency. It testifies the fact that for a capable and righteous candidate, there is no limit in terms of technical development and professional growth. Given the right impetus and drive, the possibilities are limitless and opportunities are endless.
The transformation of an electrical engineer into a resource manager and from there on switching lanes to remote sensing and INCOIS and again moving back to NRSC and VSSC and finally reaching the helm of affairs at ISRO. The book aptly chronicles the events , when the author seamlessly traverses between these advanced technology domains with industrious effort.
For a general audience there book introduces to some extent the intricacies of space science and technology, with an overlaying narrative of the life of a man who had dedicated most of his life in this field.
For a professional working in the field of space science and technology the book remains as a guide and inspiration and shall also be an apt reference.
The structure and flow of the book and a excellent story telling by Dr.Radhakrishnan and Nilanjan Routh, will serve as an good inspiration to posterity
My Odyssey
It is blessing to live a life worth writing a book. My Odyssey is a vindicating testimony to the fact that the author had one. By narrating his personal journey, the author inadvertently reveals the uniqueness of ISRO. He deliberates about the professional camaraderie and technical democracy, emphasising the process of collective decision making and impassioned leadership in the organization resulting in transparency and efficiency. It testifies the fact that for a capable and righteous candidate, there is no limit in terms of technical development and professional growth. Given the right impetus and drive, the possibilities are limitless and opportunities are endless.
The transformation of an electrical engineer into a resource manager and from there on switching lanes to remote sensing and INCOIS and again moving back to NRSC and VSSC and finally reaching the helm of affairs at ISRO. The book aptly chronicles the events , when the author seamlessly traverses between these advanced technology domains with industrious effort.
For a general audience there book introduces to some extent the intricacies of space science and technology, with an overlaying narrative of the life of a man who had dedicated most of his life in this field.
For a professional working in the field of space science and technology the book remains as a guide and inspiration and shall also be an apt reference.
The structure and flow of the book and a excellent story telling by Dr.Radhakrishnan and Nilanjan Routh, will serve as an good inspiration to posterity
April 26, 2020
An insight into the life and times of ISRO’s former chairman.
Although the writing is seen wanting at places, the intensity with which the book is written makes it look like a romantic novel. The description of the most happening events, the failures, the triumphs and true ISRO spirit make if a very engaging read.
Although the writing is seen wanting at places, the intensity with which the book is written makes it look like a romantic novel. The description of the most happening events, the failures, the triumphs and true ISRO spirit make if a very engaging read.
December 19, 2018
This is Dr Radhakrishnan's journey to the hot seat of ISRO. Great insight into the personal and professional life of a rocket scientist ,dancer and a vocalist. Loaded with information about launch vehicles , satellites and their application. Inspirational.
August 20, 2019
I would recommend every student and professional alike to read this memoirs of Dr. K Radhakrishnan. The simplicity and ingenuity of the great scientist is thoroughly inspiring and it showcases ISRO as a premier scientific organisation, not just in India but globally !! Enjoyed it !
January 20, 2023
“There were both cheers and tears as our engineers went around congratulating each other... We had scripted history.”
Oh my! A fantastic book which chronicles the career of Dr. K Radhakrishanan, former chairman of ISRO. Right from the first page to the very last, this book has been a source of immense inspiration for me, with several motivating and thought provoking sentences throughout the book. I particularly loved the last few chapters which describe ISRO's journey to Mars in quite detail.
Though the jargon is discouraging for non-technical readers, especially for school students; if one overlooks the jargon and reads for the content, it is an amazing book with a lot that can be learnt. I am sure this book will serve as a guidebook to many young people like me and encourage the future generations to contibute to India's Space Programme and to science in general, in India.
A must read for all STEM enthusiasts !! (especially for folks interested in astronomy and space technology)
Oh my! A fantastic book which chronicles the career of Dr. K Radhakrishanan, former chairman of ISRO. Right from the first page to the very last, this book has been a source of immense inspiration for me, with several motivating and thought provoking sentences throughout the book. I particularly loved the last few chapters which describe ISRO's journey to Mars in quite detail.
Though the jargon is discouraging for non-technical readers, especially for school students; if one overlooks the jargon and reads for the content, it is an amazing book with a lot that can be learnt. I am sure this book will serve as a guidebook to many young people like me and encourage the future generations to contibute to India's Space Programme and to science in general, in India.
A must read for all STEM enthusiasts !! (especially for folks interested in astronomy and space technology)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews