New Delhi, June 30 -- Awais Ahmed grew up in Aldur village, Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru district. Internet access was largely unavailable during his early childhood years. He first discovered space through encyclopaedias his father brought home.

These books introduced him to galaxies, planets and cosmic mysteries. Without online videos, his curiosity grew through reading and imagination. This early fascination would later shape his entire career path.

"Didn't have access to internet till I was in 8th grade so I spent a lot of time reading encyclopedias on space and science and technology. High school was also the time I became fascinated with my high school's library and my lifelong obsession with books began (sic)," Awais wrote on his w...