'We taught him not to miss opportunity to serve nation', says father of Odia scientist involved in Chandrayaan-3 mission

India has made head turns with Vikram, Chandrayaan-3’s lander setting its foot on the south pole of the moon on Wednesday. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the whole credit for the success of the Chandrayaan-3 to the scientists involved in the mission. For playing a crucial role in the team of scientists that made it possible, Odia scientist Sushil Kumar Nayak is also receiving accolades from different parts of the country and the globe as well. 

Nayak is a resident of Balia village under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district. Back in Nayak’s village, his family members are feeling proud as he brought glory to the district and the state as well. 

On this occasion of historical achievement, OTV interacted with Nayak’s father, Muralidhar Nayak. 

Here is the excerpt:

OTV: How was his childhood days?

Muralidhar Nayak: Since I was posted at the Paradip Port, I enrolled him at Paradip Port Trust High School. He passed the Matriculation with 87 percent mark in 2000. After passing out from the Basic Science College of the OUAT, he earned his degree from the Indira Gandhi National Institute. His first posting was at Satyam Computer. However, he resigned from his job and underwent a two-month training at ITC Tools Plaza. Thereafter, he successfully passed an interview and joined the ISRO. 

OTV: What is your son’s job at ISRO? 

MN: He has been working at the ISRO since 2009. He is working as an officer in the flying zone. As far as my knowledge is concerned, his job was to ensure the proper and safe launching of the Chandrayan-3. The Chandrayaan-3 was under his supervision during the countdown period. 

OTV: How did you feel when your son was doing his duty while remaining awake for several nights?

MN: I know very well that ‘No Pain, No Gain’. As parents, we taught him not to hesitate when an opportunity to serve the nation comes.