The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) chief S Somanath has revealed that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer the day Aditya-L1, India's first space-based solar observatory to study the Sun, was launched. The solar mission was launched on September 2, 2023. But he is now "completely cured", Somanath said in a Malayalam interview to Tarmak Media House.
Replying to a question about whether the ISRO chairman encountered any personal challenges such as health-related difficulties during the execution of missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, Somanath said, "There were some health issues during Chandrayaan-3. However, it was not clear to me during Chandrayaan-3. I did not have a clear understanding about it."
The ISRO chief underwent a scan on Aditya-L1’s launch day
Somanath further said that on the morning of Aditya-L1's launch day, which was two months after Chandrayaan-3's launch, he underwent a scan.
"That was when I realised that I had a growth in my stomach. I gained a clue about it as soon as the launch occurred. After the launch, I went to Chennai and underwent a scan. I was able to confirm that there was a problem. Then, I underwent the rest of the tests. Within two to three days, I was able to confirm that there was a growth in my stomach. It was a hereditary disease," Somanath said.
The ISRO chairman stated that after the launch of Aditya-L1, he was advised to undergo an operation. Following the operation, he underwent chemotherapy. "I had to endure all this."
He said that while his family was shocked and it was difficult for them, he perceived cancer and its treatment as a solution. "There is a message that it is not incurable."
‘I am completely cured’: Somanath
When asked whether he was completely cured, Somanath said, "The first operation was performed. Chemotherapy was administered. I will be undergoing regular check-ups every year. I will be undergoing scans. But now, I am completely cured. I have resumed my duties."
He said that he spent four days in the hospital, and resumed office work as soon as he was discharged.
Somanath also said that he does not experience any pain now. "It was simply a growth. They detected it and had it removed. I faced some difficulties in the initial days following the operation."
Watch the entire interview below.