Prestigious Award for Indian Space Head
Dr V Narayanan Receives Top Honour for Space Leadership: Dr. V. Narayanan, who currently leads the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and serves as Secretary of the Department of Space, has been honoured with the GP Birla Memorial Award for 2025. The recognition celebrates his role in transforming India’s space capabilities and pushing the boundaries of advanced propulsion technologies.
The GP Birla Memorial Award
This prestigious honour is presented by the GP Birla Archaeological Astronomical and Scientific Institute, which was established in memory of Ghanshyamdas Birla, an industrial pioneer known for supporting education and science in India.
Static GK fact: The award is overseen by Nirmala Birla and was earlier known as the Lifetime Achievement Award.
It highlights major contributions in science, education, astronomy, and public service. Over the years, it has gone to several globally respected scholars and researchers.
Milestones in Dr Narayanan’s Career
Dr. Narayanan is best known for his expertise in cryogenic propulsion systems and has significantly enhanced India’s space launch capacities. Before taking charge as ISRO Chief, he served as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
He played an essential role in powering India’s key space missions such as:
- Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight programme
- Chandrayaan-3, a successful lunar landing mission
- Aditya-L1, India’s pioneering solar observation satellite
Static GK fact: The LPSC is based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is crucial for India’s rocket engine development.
National and Global Impact
This award confirms India’s rising status in the global space sector. It also reflects the growing importance of ISRO in space science, satellite technology, and international cooperation.
By joining the list of celebrated scientists like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Kasturirangan, and Dr. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan, Dr. Narayanan becomes part of India’s modern scientific legacy.
Static GK Tip: ISRO, founded in 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, is globally known for cost-effective and reliable satellite launches.
Notable Figures Awarded Before
The GP Birla Memorial Award has a long list of distinguished recipients, including:
- Dr. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
- Prof. Jogesh Pati, expert in particle physics
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, renowned space scientist and President of India
- Dr. Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman
The award honours those who have made a lasting impact on science and society, reinforcing India’s leadership in innovation and research.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Dr V Narayanan Receives Top Honour for Space Leadership:
| Fact | Detail |
| Award Name | GP Birla Memorial Award |
| Year Awarded | 2025 |
| Recipient | Dr. V. Narayanan |
| Organization | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
| Role | ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space |
| Field of Expertise | Cryogenic propulsion and space missions |
| Administering Body | GP Birla Archaeological Astronomical and Scientific Institute |
| Location of LPSC | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Major Missions Led | Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 |
| Past Awardees | Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan |
