In a small village in Maharashtra, Ramdas Hemraj Marbade pushed a cart, selling golgappas under the scorching sun. Today, he’s a technician at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), working on cutting-edge space research. His remarkable journey from the streets of Khairbodi to the prestigious Sriharikota Space Centre is a testament to grit, determination, and the power of dreams. This heartwarming story of a golgappa seller turned ISRO technician is capturing hearts across India, inspiring countless others to chase their ambitions against all odds.
Humble Beginnings in Khairbodi
Key Points:
- Ramdas, from Nandan Nagar, Khairbodi, Gondia district, Maharashtra, grew up in a modest family.
- Son of a retired school peon and a homemaker, he faced financial hardships early on.
- Sold golgappas village-to-village to support his family and fund his education.
Ramdas Hemraj Marbade’s story begins in the quiet village of Khairbodi, where financial struggles were a daily reality. With his father retired as a school peon and his mother a homemaker, Ramdas took on the responsibility of supporting his family. By day, he roamed villages selling golgappas, a popular street snack, from a humble cart. Yet, his ambitions stretched far beyond the streets, fueled by a relentless drive to achieve something extraordinary.
Balancing Work and Studies
Key Points:
- Pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) privately from YCM College, Nashik, due to financial constraints.
- Sold golgappas during the day and studied late into the night.
- Never let his circumstances dim his dream of working with ISRO.
Despite the demands of his golgappa cart, Ramdas was determined to educate himself. Unable to afford regular college, he enrolled in a private BA program at YCM College, Nashik. His routine was grueling: selling golgappas by day, studying by night. This relentless dedication to balancing work and education set the stage for his extraordinary achievement, proving that perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Seizing the ISRO Opportunity
Key Points:
- In 2023, Ramdas applied for an ISRO Apprentice Trainee post and took the exam in Nagpur.
- Passed the ISRO exam in August 2024 with flying colors.
- Joined ISRO’s Sriharikota Space Centre as a Pump Operator-cum-Mechanic on May 19, 2025.
When ISRO announced vacancies for Apprentice Trainee posts in 2023, Ramdas saw his chance. He applied, traveled to Nagpur for the exam, and aced it. By August 2024, he cleared the rigorous selection process for the Sriharikota Space Centre. On May 19, 2025, Ramdas officially joined ISRO as a Pump Operator-cum-Mechanic, a role where he now contributes to micro-level research for India’s space missions. His story is a shining example of seizing opportunities through hard work.
A Source of Pride for Gondia
Key Points:
- Ramdas’s success has brought joy to his family and pride to Gondia district.
- His story has gone viral, with netizens across India celebrating his achievement.
- Inspires youth to pursue their dreams regardless of their background.
Ramdas’s journey has resonated far beyond Khairbodi, earning him admiration across Maharashtra and India. His family beams with pride, and Gondia district celebrates one of its own making it to ISRO. Social media posts on X have hailed his story as an inspiration, with users calling it a “salute to relentless hard work” and proof that “dreams don’t need wings, just effort.” His success is a beacon for young Indians, showing that humble beginnings are no barrier to greatness.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Key Points:
- Ramdas’s story highlights the power of determination and self-belief.
- Shows that education and hard work can open doors to prestigious opportunities.
- Encourages others to stay focused on their goals despite financial or social challenges.
Ramdas Hemraj Marbade’s transformation from a golgappa seller to an ISRO technician is more than a personal triumph—it’s a universal lesson. His unwavering focus, late-night study sessions, and belief in himself turned a seemingly impossible dream into reality. For countless young Indians facing similar struggles, Ramdas’s journey is a reminder that hard work and resilience can break through any barrier, no matter how daunting.
What’s Next for Ramdas and Aspiring Dreamers?
Key Points:
- Ramdas now contributes to India’s space research, a dream job for many.
- His story could inspire policy changes to support education for underprivileged youth.
- Encourages others to pursue opportunities in STEM fields, especially at ISRO.
As Ramdas settles into his role at ISRO, his story continues to inspire. Working on cutting-edge space research, he’s living proof that talent and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes. His journey may spark conversations about better access to education and opportunities for India’s underprivileged youth, especially in STEM fields. For aspiring dreamers, Ramdas’s success is a call to action: stay focused, work hard, and never let circumstances define your future.
