From humble beginnings in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India, Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran rose to become a Senior Scientist at NASA, where he made groundbreaking discoveries, including the identification of over 50 novel microorganisms. Holding a Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from Annamalai University in 1981 and with 11 years of research experience in Japan, Venkateswaran’s illustrious 25-year journey at NASA has played a pivotal role in the quest for extraterrestrial life.

Co-authored by Sasikumar, a scientist at ISRO, this autobiography was originally written in Tamil. When it was translated into English, Mrs. Jothi Mani graciously provided assistance with the initial draft, resulting in this English version.

This book unveils the remarkable life of a young boy, the youngest among eight siblings, who delved deep into the field of microbiology when a medical career proved elusive. His journey took him from exploring marine microbes in India and Japan to achieving a coveted position at NASA. Venkateswaran’s story is undeniably inspirational, offering simple explanations of intricate research, ranging from deep-sea exploration to the study of interstellar microbes. His accolades, including NASA’s highest honors, enrich this autobiography, creating a captivating blend of personal experiences and scientific adventures. Dive into these pages to uncover the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the unwavering determination upon which dreams are built.