Ramdas Hemraj Marbade, a determined young man from Khairbodi village in Maharashtra’s Gondia district, has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a technician position at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Despite facing severe financial hardships, Ramdas supported his family by selling golgappas (pani puri) across villages during the day and studied late into the night.
His perseverance led him to clear ISRO’s competitive selection process, and he officially joined the organisation as a Pump Operator-cum-Mechanic at the Sriharikota Space Centre in May 2025. His inspiring journey has brought immense pride to his family, community, and the entire region, becoming a beacon of hope for many aspiring youth.
From Golgappa Cart to ISRO: A Journey of Grit and Determination
Ramdas’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and hard work. Born into a humble family in Khairbodi, a small village in the Tiroda tehsil of Gondia district, Maharashtra, he grew up witnessing the struggles of his parents. His father, a retired peon from Dongargaon Zila Parishad School, and his homemaker mother could offer limited financial support.
To contribute, Ramdas took up selling golgappas, a popular street snack, moving from village to village with his cart. While many would have been overwhelmed by such circumstances, Ramdas remained steadfast in his commitment to education.
He attended Ganesh High School in Gumadhavada and completed his 12th standard at C.G. Patel College, Tiroda. Unable to afford full-time college education, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree privately from YCM College in Nashik.
Ramdas’s days were long and arduous — pushing his golgappa cart under the scorching sun and studying by the dim light of a lamp at night. “Every obstacle was a stepping stone. My family’s support and my dream of working with ISRO kept me going,” he recalls. His story humanises the challenges faced by many rural youth in India who balance survival with ambition.
Technical Training and Triumph at ISRO
Determined to build a stable career, Ramdas enrolled at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Tirora, where he specialised as a Pump Operator-cum-Mechanic.
The course equipped him with essential technical skills, including operating and repairing centrifugal and reciprocating pumps, water treatment methods, and maintenance of oil and gas equipment. This technical expertise became pivotal when ISRO announced job openings for Apprentice Trainees in 2023.
Ramdas applied and cleared the written examination held in Nagpur in early 2024, a significant achievement given the stiff competition. Subsequently, he was invited to ISRO’s Sriharikota facility for a skill test on August 29, 2024. His success in this phase earned him the coveted appointment letter on May 19, 2025.
Today, Ramdas works at ISRO’s Space Centre, contributing as a Pump Operator-cum-Mechanic — a role critical to the smooth functioning of ISRO’s research and space missions. ISRO officials have praised Ramdas’s journey, highlighting how his dedication reflects the spirit of India’s youth and the organisation’s commitment to inclusive growth.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Ramdas Marbade’s inspiring ascent from a golgappa vendor to a technician at one of India’s premier scientific institutions is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and self-belief. His story underscores the importance of creating opportunities for underprivileged youth and supporting them through accessible education and skill development.
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate such narratives that break stereotypes and inspire hope, reminding us that talent and determination can flourish regardless of one’s background.
This story also prompts us to reflect on the broader systemic challenges that many rural and economically disadvantaged students face. How can society, government, and institutions collaborate to ensure that more young dreamers like Ramdas receive the support they need to realise their potential?
