Proving that age is no barrier when the desire to learn remains resolute, 78-year-old Twarakavi Chengal Prasad has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the third rank across India in the Telangana Engineering Common Entrance Test. A veteran from the formative decades of the Indian Space Research Organisation, Prasad chose the rigours of competitive academic preparation over a quiet retirement, surprising educators and young aspirants alike across the country.
A Pioneering Career Rooted in Space Infrastructure
Prasad began his professional journey after completing a diploma in civil engineering, joining the space agency at the young age of 21. Counted among the founding workforce of the organisation, his 35-year tenure saw the physical foundations of Indian space exploration take shape. During critical launch campaigns at Sriharikota, he routinely worked demanding shifts, directly contributing to the structural design and construction of the country's earliest launch pads, research observatories, and specialised technical installations.
Collaborating with Renowned Scientific Visionaries
Throughout his extensive tenure in the civil construction wing, Prasad had the rare opportunity to collaborate closely with the architects of India's space program. His assignments placed him alongside founder Vikram Sarabhai, former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and space scientist Satish Dhawan. Even after taking voluntary retirement from the space organisation, his drive to stay professionally and intellectually active never subsided.
Managing Construction Projects Through the Pandemic
Following his departure from government service, Prasad brought his engineering expertise to the private sector. He took charge of prominent infrastructure undertakings across Delhi, Nepal, and Hyderabad, maintaining an active professional workload until the Covid 19 pandemic. Alongside tracking advancements in modern technology, he also immersed himself in the systematic study of ancient Vedic literature. Residing in the Nacharam locality of Hyderabad, the father of three continues to inspire his family, with his granddaughter Dr. Ananya highlighting his lifelong dedication as an everyday example for younger generations.
Twelve Hours of Daily Study Led to Top Rank
The Telangana Engineering Common Entrance Test serves as a lateral entry pathway for diploma holders and graduates with a BSc in mathematics who wish to pursue a BE or BTech degree directly in the second year. Because the entrance guidelines do not enforce any upper age ceiling, Prasad leveraged the opportunity to apply under the working professionals quota. He launched an intensive preparation drive two months before the examination, dedicating more than 12 hours every day to syllabus revision. That intense discipline delivered exceptional results, culminating in an All India third rank and demonstrating the power of unyielding commitment.
