Dr. Bhushan Ambade
When the world came to an unprecedented halt, many found themselves adrift in long, empty hours. Yet, for Baig Mirza Abdullah, an administrator at Dr. Nakadar Institute of Knowledge, these “void years” became a canvas for growth. Rather than succumbing to boredom or frustration, Abdullah seized the moment to immerse himself in learning, completing thirty-four courses on the NPTEL platform, turning pandemic downtime into a remarkable journey of self-improvement.
His introduction to NPTEL came through a casual conversation with a colleague, a Professor of Statistics and Operations Research at Aligarh Muslim University, who recommended the platform’s wealth of academic offerings. What began as a tentative step soon evolved into a disciplined routine. As his institute switched to online classes, the time once consumed by commuting and daily chores was reclaimed and filled with assignments, video lectures, and rigorous practice. Abdullah’s dedication turned each weekly assignment into an opportunity to deepen his understanding, patiently tackling concepts until clarity emerged.
Among the many courses he conquered, the “Data Mining” class from IIT Kanpur left a lasting impression.
For someone in administration, this was a new frontier, a peek into the world of Data Science that had always seemed out of reach.
The knowledge gained didn’t just add a certificate to his shelf; it infused his work with fresh insights, bridging the gap between administrative tasks and data-driven decision-making. This fusion of learning and application underscored the true value of his educational quest.
Inspired by his own transformative experience and aware of his unique position within academia, Abdullah became a quiet ambassador for lifelong learning. Wherever he went, he encouraged students and faculty alike to explore the courses NPTEL offered. His enthusiasm ignited small sparks of curiosity, turning into a ripple effect that spread across institutions, testimony to one man’s initiative nurturing a culture of continuous education.
Looking ahead, Abdullah’s sights are firmly set on furthering his command of Computer Science, a field he sees as indispensable in today’s fast-evolving educational and managerial landscapes. His approach remains steady and methodical: identify gaps, select relevant courses, and pursue them with patient resolve. When sharing advice for those hesitant to start, he remains modest yet clear – NPTEL rewards those who take initiative. The power to learn, he believes, lies in the learner’s hands, and it is the courage to decide that charts one’s path forward.
For Baig Mirza Abdullah, the pandemic was not a pause but a pivot.
More than the thirty-four certificates, it gave him a renewed habit of disciplined learning, an invaluable asset he now strives to pass on, proving that even in the most uncertain times, growth is possible when we choose to invest in ourselves. This mindset has not only transformed his own life but has inspired others in his community to embrace similar journeys. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, he hopes to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to explore their potential, regardless of the challenges they face.
~written by Elsa Prasad