A wave of celebration swept through Mysuru as the region’s proud son, Somanath S, basked in glory after Chandrayaan-3’s historic feat. The ISRO chairman’s roots trace back to Muthalli village in Chamarajanagar district, igniting a profound sense of pride among locals. News of the moon landing success brought villagers together in joyous fervour, hailing the man who once walked their soil.

In nearby Mandya, where Somanath studied engineering at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), a rush of emotion swept through teachers and classmates. His professors recalled his brilliance and humility, noting how his curious mind stood out even in those early days. They proudly claimed their college had contributed to scripting India’s lunar milestone.

Celebrations also broke out in Thiruvananthapuram, where Somanath resides and works. Neighbours lauded his dedication and quiet focus. Many shared anecdotes of his calm demeanour and how he often spoke with passion about India’s space dreams.

At SJCE, faculty organized a special event to honor their illustrious alumnus. Former instructors reflected on his journey from a modest village boy to the helm of India’s space program. His story inspired current students, proving that vision, hard work, and rooted values can reach beyond the stars.

The moon landing wasn’t just a national achievement—it became a deeply personal victory for communities linked to Somanath’s life. His success resonated far and wide, from dusty village lanes to academic corridors.