Raksha Mantri Award for NCC Sergeant Manan Sharma

Udaipur: Sergeant (SGT) Manan Sharma, a native of Udaipur and a cadet of the 36 Maharashtra Battalion, has been honored with the prestigious Raksha Mantri Commendation Card by the Honorable Defence Minister Shree Rajnath Singh. As the only Junior Division (JD) cadet in the country to receive this award, Manan’s recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to innovation, leadership, and national service.
Among his many achievements, his innovative project AstroBott, a stargazing app designed to make astronomy accessible, stands out. Presented at the Idea and Innovation Competition during Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2025, it earned high praise from India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Additionally, Manan participated in ISRO’s Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA), where he gained hands-on experience in space science and technology.
Speaking about this honor, Manan said, “This recognition is a reflection of the unwavering support I’ve received from my mentors at NCC, my parents—especially my father and mother—my school, JVP Gavel Club, and peers. Their encouragement has shaped my journey and given me the strength to dream big.”
With a vision aligned with India’s Startup India initiative, Manan aims to develop advanced satellites and space drones to revolutionize communication systems and address challenges like space debris management. His journey from Udaipur to national recognition is a testament to his determination and vision.