Aspiring new heights
Shyama
Narendranath, scientist with ISRO, says her career is her passion and has a long way to go besides
being part of the Chandrayan Mission,writes Niranjana Varma.
You were part of the
prestigious “Chandrayaan” mission. What do you call your role in this?
I was involved in the development of one of
the instruments on Chandrayaan-1-(C1xS). It was an X-ray spectrometer aimed at
mapping lunar surface chemistry. My main responsibilities were characterizing
the X-ray detectors, calibration ,operations in flight-data analysis and
publication of results. This work also formed my PhD thesis.
What was your feeling when “Chandrayaan”
became successful?
Of course I felt elated.
What/Who was your inspiration in choosing this
career?
My
mother prompted me to take physics. Perhaps it was at that time of doing a
summer project at the Indian Institute Of Astrophysics that I was fascinated
with space.
You’ve reached great
heights in your career. How do you balance between an accountable position in ISRO and your family life?
Not
really, there is a long way to go. Work-life balance is a struggle for every
working woman. But when your career is your passion, it brings about immense satisfaction
and not a burden. And of course if you have highly supportive parents, an
encouraging husband and not so fussy kids, life becomes a lot easier!
Is there anyone who has
influenced you in your career?
Very
much. My PhD thesis Supervisor ,Dr.S.Sreekumar,Director,Indian Institute of Astrophysics, has been and is still a great influence. He is
my mentor as well as a friend, philosopher and guide.
Do you think you were
destined to be a scientist or had any other ambitions when younger?
I
wanted to be a writer sometimes .Another wish unfulfilled is to be a great
dancer!
Have you taken up any
project now?
Yes
I am involved in “Chandrayaan-2”. It’s about the development of a special type of X-ray focusing mirrors, studying solar coronal abundances,
Venus atmospheric chemistry etc.
Most of the students in
Kerala nowadays opt for a career in the field of engineering and medicine. What
is your opinion about it?
If
you are able to find out what you really like to do in life
Pursue every option to make it your career. You will
never regret. There is no such thing as “scope” so please don’t blindly
join these courses just for an immediate job. To reach great heights, you have
to be passionate.
How do you visualize
your success?
I am proud to be part
of Indian planetary missions which have provided several insights in planetary
science. It’s an exciting field probing fundamental science. The more you try
to understand, further questions arise and you realize your insignificance in
this vast wide universe!
