Mission ISRO is a captivating podcast that delves into the fascinating world of space exploration and the accomplishments of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With each episode, the podcast masterfully weaves together stories of innovation, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements that leave listeners in awe. For me, this podcast is more than just a fascinating listen - ISRO remains close to my heart, evoking a flood of memories from my time at ISRO.
I was hired by the legendary AS Kirankumar and worked under his, Dr KK Gupta and Dr. George Joseph's guidance as part of the IRS team. Being part of the team that propelled India to the forefront of this field is a privilege I cherish. My connection to ISRO deepens with family ties: my naana (grandfather) was a friend of Vikram Sarabhai's father and my mom worked with the iconic Mrinalini Sarabhai at Darpan. The podcast reminds me of my own journey, from remote sensing to IISc (ph D coursework at Physics department) and besides working on payloads, my associations with Aakashvani, Doordarshan, and Decu (on the Gujarati drama 'Hun, Bhuri ane Bhens'), meeting Rakesh Sharma, Ravish Malhotra during my NCC days, and the legendary author Arthur C Clark during my college days at Gujarat University. As Bhogle says serendipitous connections!!
However, the podcast also brings back memories of the challenges and sacrifices made by the ISRO team. I recall the extreme testing conditions, spending hours in a thermovac chamber at 50°C, and the tragic loss of a senior electronics scientist due to work-related stresses, echoing the podcast's mention of Srinivasan's passing.
Harsha Bhogle's narration is superb, bringing depth and warmth to the storytelling. I just wished Harsha Bhogle had referred to 'I S R O' as ISRO (pronounced as 'Is-Ro'), the way we affectionately call it. The interviews with key scientists and historic recordings featuring Dr. Vikram Sarabhai's voice add emotional resonance and authenticity. Overall, this is a stellar podcast that will leave you starstruck and eager for more. For me, it's a nostalgic journey celebrating ISRO's achievements and dedicated individuals. I eagerly await Bhogle's return with the next season of this podcast, hoping it will delve into India's triumphs in lunar and Mars explorations, the transformative impact of space sector privatization, and our nation's ascension as a pioneering force in global space endeavors.
If you're interested in space, science or not but the inspiring stories of human achievement make Mission ISRO with Harsha Bhogle a must-listen! Available on Spotify.
