K Radhakrishnan takes over as ISRO chief

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 31 (PTI) Avionics expert K
Radhakrishnan Saturday took over as the Chairman of the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from G Madhavan Nair here.
A highly respected scientist with 35 years of experience
in ISRO, 60-year-old Radhakrishnan has played a key role in
many of the country's space projects, including Chandrayaan-I.
"It is with high hopes and great expectations that I am
taking over this responsibility. It is a huge task that has
been entrusted on me. I am confident that we will be able to
achieve our goals with the dedicated work and support of the
entire team of ISRO," he said after assuming charge.
Before his elevation as ISRO chief, Radhakrishnan was
the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
He joined the organisation in 1973 shortly after
graduating in Electronic Engineering. He later pursued MBA
from IIM Bangalore and a doctorate from IIT, Kharagpur.
He had served as Director, Regional Remote Sensing
Service Centres, Director of Budget and Economic Analysis,
Project Director of Early Warning System of Tsunami and Storm
Surges.
Hailing from Irinjalakkuda in Thrissur district of
Kerala, Radhakrishnan is also a keen enthusiast of classical
arts and music. An ardent Kathakali fan, he had occasionally
performed the dance, taking time off his busy schedule.
Meanwhile, senior ISRO scientist P S Veeraraghavan
assumed charge as Director of VSSC.
Veeraraghavan had played an important role in major
Indian space projects like PSLV and GSLV.
He has served ISRO in various capacities as director of
Inertial Guidance Systems and Deputy Director of Mechanisms
and Vehicle Integration at VSSC. PTI NM
DDC