Harsh Goenka's tweet on ISRO chief S Somanath’s salary goes viral

Chandrayaan-3's successful mission earlier this year has drawn attention to the remarkable individuals who lead India's space endeavors. Recently, Harsh Goenka, Chairman of the RPG group, took to Twitter to express his admiration for ISRO's Chairman, S Somnath, and the dedication he brings to his work. Goenka's tweet, which also disclosed Somnath's monthly salary, has ignited a widespread discussion on the true motivations that drive these leaders.

In his tweet, Goenka revealed, "Chairman of ISRO, Somanath’s salary is Rs 2.5 lakhs a month. Is it right and fair? Let’s understand people like him are motivated by factors beyond money. They do what they do for their passion and dedication to science and research, for national pride to contribute to their country and personal fulfillment in terms of achieving their purpose. I bow my head to dedicated people like him!"

The post quickly gained traction, with over 8.7 lakh views, over 9500 likes and numerous comments within a short period after its upload on September 11.


One user pointed out that ISRO provides various perks like housing, vehicles, and other amenities, indicating that Chairman Somnath finds his motivation internally. He has long held the belief that materialism is not the driving force behind great achievements, a sentiment shared by many visionaries.

Another user chimed in, emphasizing the immeasurable dedication and passion exhibited by individuals like Chairman Somanath at ISRO. They stressed that these scientists are driven by a deep commitment to science, research, and the betterment of their nation, serving as true inspirations with invaluable contributions to society.

A well-reasoned comment highlighted the idea that people are more inclined to pursue their passions and purposes rather than succumb to greed. The sentiment was echoed by a third user who stated, "Scientists are adequately well looked after, and they truly deserve it. Yes, it is also a fact that they could have earned much more in the private sector. But that is also true for doctors, judges, researchers, and many other professionals."

Intriguingly, one user posed a question to Goenka, asking how much he would offer as a salary if he were leading ISRO as a private company. Goenka's response was clear: he would have paid Rs 5 crore.