In an incredible twist of fate, during his seventh semester of engineering studies, Bharat’s exceptional talents caught the attention of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). At the young age of 23, he has been granted the opportunity to contribute to the prestigious Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Amid the celebrations surrounding Chandrayaan-3’s historic lunar touchdown at the Moon’s South Pole, the stories of unsung heroes within ISRO are emerging as a well of inspiration for generations to come. The relentless commitment of these ISRO scientists has undeniably propelled India to the forefront of lunar exploration, showcasing the country’s technological prowess and unwavering dedication to scientific progress.
Among these trailblazers stands Bharat Kumar, a young man hailing from the modest town of Charouda in Chhattisgarh. Though his name might not be widely recognized, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born into a financially modest family, Bharat’s father worked as a bank security guard, while his mother managed a humble tea stall.
The remarkable story of his rise was shared by an individual with a verified account named Aaraynsh on the micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter).
There is a small town called Charouda in Chhattisgarh, unfamiliar to most of us, there lived a boy named Bharat. He belongs to a weak financial family. His father worked as a security guard at a bank and his mother ran a tea stall
— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) August 24, 2023
Later age he went to Kendriya Vidyalaya Charouda… pic.twitter.com/SPljhJHgQC
Bharat’s educational journey led him to Kendriya Vidyalaya Charouda, where his determination shone brightly. Despite financial constraints, he pursued his studies with unyielding determination. The school offered its support by waiving his fees during the ninth grade. His hard work paid off, leading to outstanding achievements in the twelfth grade and ultimately securing a spot at IIT Dhanbad.
However, financial challenges resurfaced. It was at this critical juncture that business figures Arun Bagh and the Jindal Group from Raipur extended their assistance, providing the support he needed. Bharat’s academic journey continued to thrive, culminating in a remarkable achievement—a gold medal with an impressive 98% score from IIT Dhanbad.
In another twist of fate, during his seventh semester of engineering studies, Bharat’s exceptional talents captured the attention of ISRO. At the tender age of 23, he was given the remarkable opportunity to contribute to the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
His story stands as a living example of the saying “rising from the ashes like a phoenix.” Bharat Kumar is not alone in his journey. Many individuals like him, originating from modest backgrounds in small towns, are driving the dream of a new India forward every day.
ISRO’s key figures are also playing a crucial role in these advancements:
- S Somanath, ISRO Chairman: Taking the reins in January 2022, S Somanath has emerged as a driving force behind India’s ambitious lunar pursuits. With expertise in rocket technology development, his leadership has propelled missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 (Sun exploration), and Gaganyaan (India’s first manned mission) to success. His knowledge covers launch vehicle system engineering, architecture, propulsion, and integration.
- P Veeramuthuvel, Chandrayaan-3 Project Director: Heading the Chandrayaan-3 project since 2019, P Veeramuthuvel, a PhD holder from IIT Madras, has become a linchpin of the mission. Hailing from Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district, his unwavering leadership and past roles, including Deputy Director at ISRO’s Space Infrastructure Programme Office, have been pivotal.
- S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC: Leading VSSC in Kerala, S Unnikrishnan Nair played a crucial role in developing GSLV Mark-III. His meticulous oversight and guidance have significantly contributed to the success of Chandrayaan-3.
- M Sankaran, Director of URSC: Taking charge in 2021, M Sankaran guides URSC in crafting diverse satellites catering to India’s communication, navigation, remote sensing, and planetary exploration needs. URSC’s contributions play a vital role in India’s satellite endeavors.