The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Chief S Somnath recently revealed he was diagnosed with stomach cancer on the day India's Aditya-L1 mission was launched into space.
In an interview with Tarmak media house, Somnath confirmed that he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent an operation followed by chemotherapy.
Speaking of his experience, he said, "It was after the scan I became aware of the growth in my stomach. I became aware of it as soon as the launch took place. It was a hereditary condition. It was a shock for the family. But now, I perceive cancer and its treatment as a solution."
“Now I perceive cancer and its treatment as a solution. There is a message that it is not incurable and people are well aware of it. 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 admitted, highlighting the ongoing nature of his battle against cancer."
Nonetheless, his recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. After spending just four days in the hospital, he returned to his duties at Isro, working without pain from the fifth day onward.
Somanath said he felt some symptoms during the Chandrayaan-3 Mission launch but was not sure. “There were some health issues during Chandrayaan-3. However, it was not clear to me at that time,” he added.
(With inputs from ENS)