Once a motor vehicle inspector, Madke has now joined ISRO as a scientist, marking an extraordinary leap from RTO to rocket science. Her inspiring journey from a farming village in Shahapur to India’s space agency exemplifies perseverance, passion, and dedication
Sujata Ramchandra Madke with her parents
In a story that embodies perseverance, purpose, and passion, Sujata Ramchandra Madke, a Motor Vehicle Inspector from the Thane Motor Transport Department, has joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a scientist. Madke's remarkable journey starts from a small farming village in Shahapur taluka to India’s most prestigious space agency. Madke has become a shining example of how determination can defy every barrier to overcome all odds and achieve greatness.
On Sunday, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik felicitated Madke for her remarkable achievement, lauding her as a shining example of women empowerment and dedication.
Born in Shirgaon village, Madke hails from a humble background. From working at the Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO) to now joining ISRO, Madke's leap from inspecting vehicles to studying rockets has been inspiring. Her selection has brought immense pride not only to Thane district but also to the entire Maharashtra Transport Department.
Before being recruited in ISRO, Madke worked as a research engineer on IIT-Kharagpur’s Virtual Lab Project, gaining crucial exposure to scientific research. After clearing the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam, she joined Thane RTO as an assistant motor vehicle inspector (AMVI).
Humble beginnings
Born and raised in Shirgaon, a small village in Shahapur taluka of Thane district, Madke comes from a simple farming family. Her father Ramchandra worked with the local zilla parishad while managing the family’s agricultural land. Madke completed her primary and secondary education at the local zilla parishad school – the same school her father once attended.
Academic brilliance
Balancing her job with rigorous study sessions late into the night, Madke cleared the competitive selection process to join ISRO as a scientist engineer. Her transition from inspecting vehicles to studying rockets has drawn admiration across Maharashtra’s transport fraternity.
Madke’s academic record reflects her focus and persistence. She scored 94.91 per cent in SSC (Class 10) and 77.5 per cent in HSC (Class 12) before pursuing a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere (Raigad).
After completing her degree, she worked as a research engineer on the Virtual Lab Project (Phase III) at IIT-Kharagpur, gaining valuable exposure to advanced scientific tools and research culture.
From the RTO to ISRO
Madke cleared the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam and was appointed as an assistant motor vehicle inspector (AMVI) in the Thane Motor Transport Department. While working full-time, she continued studying late into the night, balancing her government job with her scientific aspirations.
Her relentless pursuit finally paid off when she was selected as a scientist engineer at ISRO, marking a rare crossover from ground transport to space technology. Her journey showcases what consistent effort and a clear vision can achieve.
“Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has been my greatest inspiration. Dreaming big and working hard is what keeps me going,” she told mid-day.com.
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