On August 23, 2023, the Indian Space and Research Organisation created history after Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing on the moon’s surface at 6:04 p.m. (IST). The historic feat broke a series of records as India became only the fourth nation in the world to land on the moon after the United States, Russia, and China.
Also, India became the first country to land on the moon’s south pole even though this area of the moon has extremely rough terrain and harsh weather. After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole, scientists can now study and investigate this untouched part of the moon.
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The live stream event of Chandrayaan-3 on YouTube became the most watched live stream in the platform’s history, as over 8 million people watched it. The record was previously held by Spanish streamer, Ibai, whose livestream was watched by 3.4 million viewers. It was a historic moment for every Indian across the globe as India once again proved the mettle of its geniuses in space research.
Every single person who works for ISRO deserves the credit for Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing on the moon. However, there’s one humble and shy person who deserves a lot of recognition and attention, as Chandrayaan-3 was his brainchild. We are talking about the project Director of Chandrayaan-3.
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Before taking responsibility for ISRO’s moon mission, P Veeramuthuvel was working as the Deputy Director of the Space Infrastructure Programme Office at ISRO headquarters in Bangalore. He is the one who negotiated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
ISRO’s renowned space scientist, P Veeramuthuvel, was born in a lower-middle-class family in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district. His father, Palanivel, used to work as a railway technician for most of his life. Courtesy of his father’s job in the railway, P Veeramuthuvel completed his schooling at the Railway School in Villupuram.
After completing his schooling, P Veeramuthuvel took admission to a private polytechnic college, where he pursued a diploma in mechanical engineering. The space scientist also has a Bachelor of Engineering Studies degree, which he received from a private college after completing his course. However, his life took a massive turn when he pursued a Master's of Engineering Studies at NIT Trichy. P Veeramuthuvel also has a doctorate degree from IIT, Madras.
The famous spiritual teacher and motivational speaker, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is one of the most influential and admired people in India. It is quite remarkable whether we talk about his ideas and values or how his Isha Foundation has shaped society. Just like Sadhguru’s million fans worldwide, P Veeramuthuvel also greatly admired the spiritual teacher. In his heart-to-heart conversation with Isha Foundation, the Project Director of Chandrayaan-3, P Veeramuthuvel spoke about Sadhguru and shared a glimpse of how much he admires him. He said:
"Before embarking on this momentous and challenging journey (Chandrayaan-3), I sought Sadhguru’s blessings. It was my good fortune that I met Sadhguru in person with my wife at the Isha Yoga Center and got his blessings and good wishes for the success of this project."
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In the same interview with Isha Foundation, P Veeramuthuvel also admitted that he studied some of the best research papers in scientific journals and has years of experience in space research but admitted that all the information we have gathered so far is limited. Explaining his point further, P Veeramuthuvel stated that when he heard Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s thoughts on the same, he realised that his knowledge was beyond the understanding of science. He explained:
"I have read the best scientific journals, my research papers have been published in highly reputed journals, and even as the Project Director of Chandrayaan-3, I have spent a lot of time studying how to build a landing vehicle. I have seen cutting-edge technology, but still, I would say that our exploration and the information we have gathered about other planets are quite limited. Listening to Sadhguru speak on these subjects has led me to realise that whatever understanding he has is experiential in nature and beyond whatever understanding we have right now."
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P Veeramuthuvel recalled the time he enrolled in a program at Isha Yoga Center, which changed him drastically. The ISRO’s space scientist revealed that he attended a Hatha Yoga Program, which was followed by Bhavna Spandan. P Veeramuthuvel admitted that he couldn’t get much leave. Thus, he planned to attend Isha Foundation's programs on the weekends. The scientist also emphasised the importance of Sadhguru’s ‘inner engineering’ program and how it helped him understand things not from the eyes of science and technology. He said:
"Until that point in time, I was not even aware of all these aspects of my inner space. I continued my practice twice daily for the stipulated 40 days, and I felt wonderful. Then I wanted to explore further – all the advanced courses. The very next month, I attended a Hatha Yoga program and followed it up with Bhava Spandana the month after that."
P Veeramuthuvel’s wife and daughter are the followers of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. When the ISRO scientist started visiting Isha Yoga Center, it was his wife, who got quite curious about it. Once the mother attended a session, she also felt an unreal energy and understood many things about life. During their time at the Isha Yoga Center, P Veeramuthuvel and his wife also visited the famous Isha Samskriti, which is a program for children with a primary focus on ancient Indian Yogic systems, teachings and sciences.
The parents were quite impressed with the way Isha Samskriti was working with children, so they decided to put their daughter into the same. In his interview with Isha Foundation, P Veeramuthuvel revealed why he decided to put his daughter in Isha Samskriti. The space scientist stated that he had been to IIT, NIT, and some of the best institutes in India, but the traditional approach of Isha Samskriti is way more fascinating and incredible.
P Veeramuthuvel also revealed that one statement from Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev about Isha Samskriti convinced him of his decision to send his daughter to Samskriti. The statement was a beautiful message, "Isha Samskriti students are not for the university – they are for the universe”. P Veeramuthuvel stated that Isha Samskriti is the best place to prepare his daughter for the challenges she will face in the future.
What are your thoughts on Chandrayaan-3’s Project Director, P Veeramuthuvel’s thoughts on Sadhguru, Isha Foundation and space research? Let us know.
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