P. C. Chandra Puraskaar, the annual national award from the P. C. Chandra Group, was conferred upon India’s leading space scientist Dr. Somanath S, the eminent leader behind India’s triumphant Chandrayaan-3 mission – India’s most celebrated achievement in the recent years in space science. This was the 31st edition of the Annual Award Ceremony. Dr. Somanath S received the felicitation in the presence of Shri A.K. Chandra, Managing Director, P.C. Chandra Group and Shri. Amitava Chandra, Deputy Managing Director, P.C.Chandra Jewellers, Shri. Udipto Chandra, Director, P.C. Chandra Jewellers at Science City Auditorium, Kolkata. About Shri Somanath S: Shri Somanath S is a Distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade) and Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO since 14 January 2022. Shri. Somanath spanning a distinguished career of nearly 38 years has made significant contribution in the area of space technology. Shri Somanath is an expert in the area of system engineering of launch vehicles. As Secretary, he piloted the National Space Policy, facilitated IN-SPACe activation, engagement of ISRO with new space actors in NGPE & start-ups. Chandrayaan-3 mission was a great success under his leadership. He left no stone unturned in making sure a successful lunar landing in the South Pole. He plays a crucial role for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission for sending Indians to Space. Under his dynamic leadership, two new launch vehicles i.e. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Test Vehicle (TV) were introduced to the country and missions were successfully accomplished. Successful landing experiment of the Re-usable Launch Vehicle was another feather in the cap for India towards demonstrating the autonomous landing of a re-entered winged body, which very few countries around the globe have accomplished. In his previous assignment as Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC ) in 2018, the lead Centre of ISRO, he was responsible for Launch vehicle technology development. Under his leadership, VSSC has achieved significant feats like Crew Escape System demonstration through Pad Abort Test (PAT), launch of GSLV Mk-III M1/Chandrayaan 2 etc. He spearheaded the development of critical systems for the Gaganyaan programme, development of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, Re-usable Launch Vehicle & Air-Breathing Launch Vehicle programmes.
Speaking on this occasion, Shri Amitava Chandra, Deputy Managing Director, P.C. Chandra Jewellers said, “Our annual award ceremony in reminiscence of our founding father late Shri Purna Chandra Chandra gives us the opportunity to honour veteran and multifaceted legends of our country. This year we feel extremely honored to be able to felicitate one of the great achievers in India. Dr, Somanath S has taken the space mission of India to the pinnacle of glory making India the first nation to soft land on the southern pole of the Moon. We are certain that ISRO will reach the zenith of success under his stewardship.”
