An inspiring journey from the slums of Mumbai to ISRO

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." – Henry Ford

Prathamesh Hirve, Scientist, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) never took his eyes from his goal despite it all. His hard work, self-belief and determination helped him realize his dreams.Hirve completed his engineering from Smt Indira Gandhi College of Engineering in Navi Mumbai and has also interned in companies like TATA steel and L&T. Getting selected for a Diploma was the initial step to his achieving his dream. But his journey to success was not an easy one.

When he attended a career guidance session, he was told to choose a stream different from science as he may not have aptitude for it. Coming from a Marathi medium school, he faced difficulty in understanding the technical terms and concepts in English when suddenly exposed to them while pursuing diploma. Many advised him that engineering wasn’t his cup of tea and it required immense talent. Living in a densely populated slum at Mumbai in a small deteriorated residence with very little resources could have added to his problems. These were a few of his problems but it never made him disheartened and lose faith.

He was blessed with two supportive parents, though they couldn’t help him in terms of imparting knowledge they acted as his constant support at all times. From 2014 to 2017 Hirve gave his best at UPSC and ISRO but unfortunately didn’t see much result in the initial years. But finally in the year 2017, out of 16000 candidates who had applied, 9 were selected. Prathamesh Hirve was one among them. This journey of a studious boy from an under privileged area in Mumbai getting selected into one of the esteemed organizations of the country shows us that dreams can indeed come true with perseverance and self belief.

His life has inspired and continues to inspire many young minds of the country!

-Rugmini

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