My Parents

My father and mother worked as daily wage earners. Both worked hard to support our family. They had never received a formal education and could not read, write, or even sign their own names. Yet they supported their children in pursuing an education they themselves had never experienced.

Our family lived with financial hardship. Continuing my studies depended on their hard work as well as my own efforts. As I moved from school in Undavelly to my diploma in Tirupati and then to engineering at Vasavi, their encouragement remained an important part of that journey.

They could not sit beside me and explain a textbook. They could not guide me through programming or prepare me for a technical interview. But they supported my wish to learn and gave me the encouragement to continue.

Their Support During Difficult Times

My journey included periods of disappointment and uncertainty. During campus placements, I struggled with the English-language barrier. Later, in my first attempt at the ISRO recruitment examination, I missed the interview shortlist by about three marks.

These were difficult stages for me. After working so hard, it was painful to feel that an opportunity was still beyond my reach.

When I look back at those years, I recognise how much my parents’ continued support mattered. Their belief in my education had helped bring me this far, and it remained part of my strength as I prepared to try again.

My effort was visible in examinations and interviews. Their effort was present throughout the years that made those opportunities possible.

A Success Our Family Shared

When I finally secured All India Rank 4 and joined ISRO as a Scientist in 2018, the happiness belonged to our whole family.

For me, it was the beginning of a new professional chapter. For my parents, it was a moment connected to years of hard work and support for their son’s education.

I was happy to have succeeded. I was equally happy that they could share that moment with me.

As I continue to write my journey, I want to preserve their story too – their work, their everyday lives, the difficulties they faced, and the ways they cared for their children.