Udaipur : Sergeant (SGT) Manan Sharma, a cadet from Udaipur representing the 36 Maharashtra Battalion, has been honored with the esteemed Raksha Mantri Commendation Card by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. Remarkably, he is the only Junior Division (JD) cadet in India to receive this prestigious award, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to innovation, leadership, and national service.
Manan’s standout achievement includes his innovative project AstroBott, a stargazing app designed to make astronomy accessible to everyone. This project, showcased at the Idea and Innovation Competition during Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2025, earned commendation from India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He also participated in ISRO’s Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA), gaining practical experience in space science and technology.
Expressing his gratitude, Manan said, “This award reflects the unwavering support of my NCC mentors, my parents, my school, JVP Gavel Club, and my peers. Their belief in me has fueled my dreams and aspirations.”
With ambitions aligned with India’s Startup India initiative, Manan envisions developing advanced satellites and space drones to revolutionize communication systems and tackle challenges like space debris. His remarkable journey from Udaipur to national recognition exemplifies dedication and innovation.