Srinivasa A.R.

It has been an excellent narrative. The spy case plot and the making of Liquid Propulsion Rocket Engine goes side by side. Starts with technical narrative from making a small rocket engine to today's gigantic rocket is well imaginable and understandable to a common man also. It is an exhaustive and versatile reading for middle, senior and top management professionals. It covers from small internal rivalry among individuals to inter departmental jealousy, boss's ego to fake vigilance cases, mishandling of fake allegations. Misadventures of a police inspector propounding a spying theory, involvement of IB by overstepping jurisdictions, abuse of this false case by state politicians for ousting sitting CM and power hungry lieutenants baking their bean...... Oh! What not? Probably after the emergency proclaimed by Former PM Mrs. Gandhi and the torture given to Janata Party leaders, this was the incident equivalent. The agony, torture, harassment, will bring tears in one's eyes. Most memorable are detailing of Mr Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. Satish Dhawan and Prof. U. R. Rao's contributions to India' space mission and todays stature. It is unforgettable on contributions of Shri T. N. Seshan as head of HR, handling HR, IR, audit, vigilance, administrative and contractual issues. It unfolds many unknown qualities of Shri Seshan. Had such noble souls were not contributed to ISRO, it would not have grown to scare NASA. Most unfortunate case builds up when Russians win cryogenic engine technology contract against US company at nearly 30% cost, Nambi Narayanan falls prey for the case. An upright, no nonsense, result oriented top scientist is trapped for pushing back Indias efforts for cryogenic engine technology by 12-14 years behind. Unimaginable contracts where consideration was man years for technology transfer with the French without any expenditure to GoI, its drafting by Shri Seshan are unforgettable. Nambi's experience in R&R, EMG, PR are memorable for any reader. The book touches the heart of any devoted PSU officer. The experiences appear to be as if his own. Hats off to the family which supported with courage in his difficult times in the battle. It also unfolded upright corrective investigation by CBI.