From a farmer's son to scientist at Defence Research and Development Organisation - Lav Kumar shares details of his phenomenal journey

Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO) is an Indian Governmental agency, charged with the military's research and development and headquartered in New Delhi, India. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1958, it is involved with the development of defence technologies in various fields. 

Lav Kumar, an alumnus of Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Dhampur UP, is working as a scientist in DRDO and shared his journey through an interview, a small extract of which is as follows: 

Interviewer: Lav Kumar, Please tell us something about yourself ?

Lav :  I am an alumnus of Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Dhampur and currently working in Defence Young Scientists' Laboratory - Quantum Technologies ( DYSL- QT), Mumbai, an establishment under Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).  

After completion of my M.Sc in Physics from St.Stephens College, Delhi, I appeared for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2016 and secured AIR 15. Based on my score and personal interview, I got selected in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai as a Scientific Officer. BARC is a premier Nuclear Research & Development Centre under the Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India. While pursuing my training at BARC, I was selected for the post of Scientist in Defence Research and  Development Organisation (DRDO) and currently working in this capacity in the area of Quantum Technologies. I am grateful that I got the chance to explore new ways of serving my nation. 

Interviewer : Please describe your journey from a Student to a Scientist in DRDO ?  

Luv : I was born and brought up in a small village Shahzadpur, Bijnor( U.P). My father is a farmer so agriculture was the only source of income for our family at that point of time. With the limited means, I found it difficult to pay for education at a good school. I completed my primary education till 7th standard from different schools in my village. After my repetitive requests to be admitted to Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Dhampur, my parents, in spite of the financial crunch, got me admitted in the same from 8th standard so that I could get a better education.

I swore to myself to never let down my parent’s faith in me and secured 3rd rank in at district level in 12th UP Board Examination(2010). Being in the top 1%  of students of U.P board, I was eligible for ‘INSPIRE’ scholarship funded by Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India. At that time with limited financial resources,I  did not have much career options,so I decided to study science. 

Based on my 12th marks, I got admission in Kirori Mal College, a premier college under University of Delhi, for pursuing my B.Sc(H) in Physics and I was awarded ‘INSPIRE’ scholarship with a stipend of 5k per month which was enough for my education. 

It was  a huge change for me, as I was going to stay in the city for the first time. Speaking in English also proved to be a challenge. Finally the hard work paid off. I completed my degree by securing top position in college and third position in the University for which I was awarded with Dr. Subramanyam Award. Later I did my M.Sc in Physics from St.Stephens College Delhi(2015). 

Interviewer: What does Science mean to you ? and how does working for India make you feel?

Lav Kumar : For me, Science is creation and exploration of knowledge which can be used for the betterment of humanity. Since childhood,I had been a great admirer of the subject and a keen observer of it's innovations. 

Since my school days,I have always dreamt of serving my nation in any capacity and upon my selection in DRDO,I realized this dream.Our armed forces exist solely to ensure that our motherland is safe, so that each and every one of us can have a sound sleep at night.It has always been a matter of pride for me to be working for our armed forces and equip them with some cutting edge technologies.  

Interviewer: How Vidya Bharati has helped you to shape your career? 

Lav Kumar : Vidya Bharati is great educational institution which advocates Indianization, nationalization and spiritualization of education which I think is the need of the hour.  

My school Saraswati Vidya Mandir taught me - 'Dream can take the form of reality if your hard work and dedication is disciplined'. There is no shortcut to success. Hardwork and dedication are the only key to progress.  

I am grateful to all my teachers  because of whom I have scaled such heights. I am determined to achieve more as time goes by.

I will end my talk with the famous quote by our great scientist and ex President of India, Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam - "Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, although it is something that does not let you sleep." 

Jai Hind ! Jai Bharat

- As per the interview given to Shri Nitish Sharma, Pranta member of Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad, Meerut Pranta. 

Vidya Bharati is proud to have a student like Lav Kumar and wishes him all the best for the future.

If you have an inspirational story to share as well,kindly email us at : info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will contact you back.