On October 2nd, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced an award of Rs 25 lakh each for the nine Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists from the state. Former ISRO chairman Dr. K Sivan and Chandrayan project directors Dr Mayilsamy Annadurai and Dr Veeramuthuvel were among those who received this cash reward.
The others were Liquid Propulsion Systems Director V. Narayanan, ISRO SHAR Head A. Rajarajan, Satish Dhawan Space Centre Director, M. Sankaran, ISRO-Propulsion Complex Director J. Asir Packiaraj, Project Director of Chandrayan-II M. Vanitha and Aditya L1 Project Director Nigar Shaji.
In a statement shared on X, Stalin added, “Honoured to felicitate these remarkable space scientists from Tamil Nadu, who have etched their names in the history of Indian Space Research with their incredible contributions.
This event exemplifies social justice, as most of them hail from humble backgrounds and government schools. Two incredible women among them also inspire us all. As a token of our appreciation, the Tamil Nadu Government is awarding each of these scientists Rs. 25 lakhs, recognising their immense talent and achievements.”
Stalin also announced a scholarship in the name of the nine scientists and provided it to nine postgraduate engineering students to nurture the spirit to make scientific inventions. A corpus fund of Rs 10 crore would be set up for this purpose and the tuition and hostel fees for the nine students would be borne by the government.
Government school students who studied undergraduate engineering courses by availing the 7.5 per cent reservation (and received financial assistance for the UG course from the government) for state-run school students are eligible for the PG scholarship.
At the function held on Monday, the Tamil Nadu CM spoke about how six of the nine scientists felicitated had studied in government schools and were first-generation graduates. The two women who were part of the team symbolised social justice and he said the young generation from Tamil Nadu should learn from them.
