Dr. K. Sivan
Former Secretary of the Department of Space, Chairman of ISRO, and Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIT Indore
On February 3rd, 2025, the Department of Physical Sciences at Kristu Jayanti College hosted the 51st edition of the Vichaarmanthan interactive program in Jubilee Auditorium from 11 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., featuring Dr. K. Sivan, former Secretary of the Department of Space, Chairman of ISRO, and Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIT Indore. The Vichaarmanthan series allows students to engage with global and Indian visionaries, offering valuable insights into various facets of education, technology, and society.
Dr. Sivan delivered an enlightening lecture that captivated the audience, sharing his journey from his educational background to his pivotal role in ISRO. He spoke passionately about India’s self-reliance in space technology, with ISRO’s projects spanning communication, space exploration, and Earth observation through satellites. He emphasized the role of ISRO in serving humanity. Dr. Sivan then delved into some of the exciting future missions ISRO is undertaking. These included the ongoing Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to bring samples from the moon to Earth for further research, and the ambitious plans for sending an Indian astronaut to the moon with the “Man on the Moon” mission. He also touched on upcoming missions to Venus and Mars, exploring the potential for interplanetary travel and exploration. He also discussed recent developments in India’s space sector, particularly the government's initiative to allow private companies to develop their rockets, marking a significant shift towards collaboration between public and private entities in space exploration. He inspired students to step into the world, and face and embrace challenges. He also quoted, “The skill of a pirate is found only when he sails in troubling times”, urging them to take on difficult projects and turn them into success. Dr. Sivan’s address further highlighted the importance of tenacity and innovation in overcoming obstacles.
A total of 1200 students attended the program and shared highly positive feedback, reflecting the impact and inspiration they drew from Dr. Sivan’s insightful lecture. The session proved to be a memorable and enriching experience for all, further igniting the spirit of scientific curiosity and exploration among the students.