Sujata Madke, hailing from Shahapur in Maharashtra’s Thane district, has charted an extraordinary path from serving as a Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector at the Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO) to becoming a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Her story is one of perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. She joined as an Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector at Thane RTO on 27 January 2023, and on 27 May 2025, she joined ISRO. She is now working with ISRO.

In this exclusive interview with Kamal Mishra, Editor – Transport & Infra, Sujata shares insights into her journey, her approach to balancing work and studies, and her message for young dreamers.

Sujata: Thank you! It wasn’t easy, but I followed a strict routine. I used to study early in the morning before work and again after returning home. On average, I dedicated about six hours daily to my studies. I also made sure to balance other activities getting proper sleep, watching TV, reading newspapers, and spending quality time with my family. Maintaining that balance kept me focused and energized.

Sujata: Time management is truly an art. You have to set your priorities right. Sometimes 24 hours feel too short, but if you genuinely want something, you’ll find time. I learned to plan my day effectively — dedicating specific hours to study, work, and rest. Even amidst a busy schedule, I made sure to spend time with friends and family. That emotional balance kept me motivated and mentally strong.

Sujata: I’m grateful that I never faced such pressure. My family has always been extremely supportive. My father, a retired Zilla Parishad clerk who now practices farming, encouraged me to pursue my ambitions. My elder sister works at Infosys, another sister ( also elder ) is a pharmacist, and my younger brother is an IT engineer. My mother father, everyone in my family values education and hard work their encouragement was my biggest strength.

Sujata: I owe my success to my family, my teachers, and the RTO department. Their constant support, faith, and encouragement made this possible. It truly takes a village to help one reach their dreams.

Sujata: No doubt, there is a difference between central and state government jobs. But in my case, both organizations are different, so comparing them is not appropriate, as they are involved in different types of work. The level of discipline and professionalism in ISRO is higher compared to the RTO, mainly because there is less public interaction involved. In the RTO, my job was completely public-centric, so we cannot compare the two. In short, we can say that both have their own dignity and working style.Que: Now that you’re part of ISRO, what are your future goals?Sujata: My goal is to contribute to ISRO’s upcoming missions and research projects. Being part of India’s space program is a dream come true, and I want to make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s scientific progress.Que: Finally, what message would you like to share with young people aspiring to achieve their dreams?Sujata: Believe in yourself and your dreams — that’s the first step. Work hard, stay consistent, and never give up. Success doesn’t come overnight, but with passion and persistence, nothing is impossible.

Transport Minister Coming from a farming family, Sujata Madke’s journey is a shining example of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence,” said Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Saturday, while honoring Sujata. “Her success is the result of the strong values instilled by her parents, the guidance and encouragement from her teachers, and her own relentless hard work. She has made Thane district and the entire Transport Department proud.”During a function in Mira Road, Minister Sarnaik felicitated Sujata and added, “Sujata’s achievement serves as a powerful inspiration, especially for youth from rural areas. Her story conveys a simple yet profound message: dream big, work sincerely, and believe in yourself success will surely follow. On behalf of the entire Transport Department, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Sujata Madke as she embarks on her promising journey at ISRO.

Mumbai, Oct 27: Indian stock markets opened on a positive note on Monday, supported by progress in trade talks between the United States and China.

Investors showed optimism after reports suggested that both countries are close to signing a deal to ease trade tensions.

The Sensex was trading at 84,450, up by 239 points or 0.28 per cent, while the Nifty stood at 25,874, gaining 79 points or 0.30 per cent.

On the weekly timeframe, the index witnessed a correction of nearly 311 points from its high, indicating heightened volatility and profit booking at higher levels.

“A breakdown below 25,670 could trigger weakness toward 25,500–25,400, while on the upside, resistance is placed at 25,950, followed by 26,000 and 26,100,” analysts said.

“Sustaining above these resistance levels will be crucial for the index to resume its upward trajectory,” they added.

Among the top performers on the Sensex were Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Tech Mahindra, and HDFC Bank, which rose up to 1.4 per cent.

On the other hand, stocks like Infosys, BEL, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards, falling up to 1.4 per cent.

Broader markets also traded in the green, with the Nifty MidCap index rising 0.46 per cent and the Nifty SmallCap index up 0.23 per cent.

The rally in domestic equities came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen said on Sunday that President Trump’s proposed 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods were “off the table.”

He also mentioned that China is expected to increase soybean imports and delay restrictions on rare earth exports, easing global trade concerns.

All sectoral indices on the NSE were trading higher, with the Nifty Realty index leading the gains, up by 1 per cent.

Experts said that positive global cues and optimism around the US-China trade deal lifted market sentiment, helping Indian equities start the week on a strong note.

“Comments from the US treasury Secretary Scot Bessent that there is a “substantial framework for trade negotiations with China” indicate that a US-China trade deal is on the cards,” analysts said.

“For India, the fundamentals are also turning positive with brisk festival season sales and reports of a smart pick up in capital spending by the private sector. This long awaited trend has significant positive implications for India’s growth and stock market,” they mentioned.

The term “Khabari” means informer, an indispensable part of every police force. While technology has transformed policing in today’s digital age, the importance of khabaris remains as strong as ever.

Some may question whether informers still hold the same relevance when advanced surveillance systems, digital forensics, and artificial intelligence are helping the police solve crimes faster. However, despite these technological breakthroughs, the role of human intelligence can never be replaced.

A khabari serves as the police’s eyes and ears on the ground. They provide crucial information about criminal activities, gangs, and suspicious movements, insights that no digital system can fully capture. Their tips often lead to major breakthroughs in investigations, especially in complex or sensitive cases where trust and human connections matter more than data. The khabaris as the backbone of crime control and investigation. From tracking drug networks to preventing gang wars, these informers quietly contribute to maintaining law and order.

There is a common phrase often seen in police press notes, “acting on a tip-off from a secret informer.” These “secret informers” are none other than khabaris. Within the Mumbai Police, there exists an entire world of informers, mysterious yet essential. The general public often forms its image of an informer from Bollywood films — a shady figure calling the police from a dark alley. In reality, the truth is far more complex and grounded.

Many khabaris come from ordinary walks of life, street vendors, rickshaw pullers, small businessmen, or paan stall owners. They share information about suspicious or criminal activity in their areas. They may not receive direct financial benefits, but being known to the police gives them credibility and a sense of security. Sometimes, it ensures that the police do not unnecessarily trouble their businesses. Some people even share information as a form of social service, though they are not considered professional informers.

However, those who provide information from within the criminal world are the true police informers. These individuals may have once been part of gangs, may have fallen out with their former associates, or may be ex-convicts trying to rebuild their lives. Some are even active criminals who maintain links with the police. In prisons, so-called ‘raw prisoners’ also serve as informants, passing on valuable details about criminal networks or planned activities. Sometimes, in certain matters, the informer is connected to politicians, businessmen, and the criminal world as well.

The identity of an informer is always kept strictly confidential for their safety. The police never reveal their names, even in successful operations or encounter reports.

Sudhakar Suradkar, a former IPS officer, stated, “Technology or machines can never replace human intelligence. In the digital era, these tools are only helpful, but ultimately, human intelligence remains the most important. For instance, the atomic tests conducted by India in 1998, during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, were not detected by American intelligence agencies despite their advanced technology. Another key point is that an informer must be a credible individual. Some people accept money and provide information, but the police must identify their vested interests. Human beings can lie, which is why I never trusted petty informers; I always relied on credible ones. In the police force, the importance of informers will always remain, despite the growth of digital innovations.”

The history of informers in the Mumbai Police goes back decades. Smuggling was rampant in the 1960s, and rival operators would secretly tip off the police to catch competitors’ boats. That marked the beginning of the informer system. Over the years, informants have become an integral part of policing. During the 1980s and 1990s, when gang wars gripped Mumbai, khabaris played a crucial role. Their tips helped the police conduct encounters and dismantle underworld networks. Many of these informers risked their lives to assist the police during those violent times.

If informers provide information, what do they get in return? The answer lies in the economics of intelligence. Many informers are professionals; they earn their living by supplying credible information. The bigger and more valuable the information, the greater the reward. Some informers are even said to be on the police’s ‘payroll.’

In addition to monetary rewards, police departments often extend quiet support to informers and their families. If an informer is imprisoned or injured, officers may help their family financially. Such payments are made through a ‘secret fund’, an officially sanctioned fund used specifically to compensate informers for their services.

While technology has made policing faster and more scientific, the khabari continues to bridge the gap between street-level reality and official intelligence. Behind every major breakthrough lies a whisper from an unseen source, a khabari who risks everything to keep the city safe.

Street / Criminal Circle → Khabari → Police Officer → Action / Raid / Arrest

Former gang members
Street vendors / small business owners
Ex-convicts or prison contacts
Active criminals turned informants
Others (auto drivers, bar employees, etc.)

Police maintain a “secret fund” to pay informers.
The amount depends on the value of the information.
Payments are kept confidential to protect identities.

1960s: Start of informer culture during smuggling era
1980s–1990s: Rise of gang wars — informers vital in encounters
2000s: Informers track drug trade and organised crime
2020s: Digital policing + human intelligence = stronger results