B Satyaramamanohar A – NPTEL STAR
Mr. Manohar’s interest in Psychology stemmed from a desire to better understand the people around him and support their diverse mental and emotional needs. “I’ve encountered students with a range of emotions – some sensitive, others aggressive. I wanted to understand them all better, and NPTEL played a crucial role in paving that path for me”, says B Satyaramamanohar A. “If not for NPTEL, I don’t think there would have been any other way for me to learn human psychology. Now, I can connect with my students and guide them better.”
For Manohar, knowledge was not just a personal pursuit but a way of life and a deeply rooted family value. Coming from a rural background, with both his father and grandfather being teachers, he understands the barriers faced by people from underprivileged areas. Today, as he heads his Department and is also the SPOC of NPTEL’s local chapter at the Bhimavaram Institute of Engineering and Technology, he is committed to bridging the gap to the best of his abilities.
Manohar’s own NPTEL journey began in 2018, and since then, he went on to complete 49 courses with Domain certifications in VLSI Design, Faculty Domain, Intellectual Property Rights, Psychology, and Energy and Environment.
Domain certifications are given to learners who complete a set of curated courses in a particular field, which enables them to specialise in the same.
“Frankly speaking, I can clearly see the difference before and after I started my NPTEL learning”, he shares. Manohar also holds 19 NPTEL STAR recognitions.
“My journey came with its own set of challenges, especially around time management. Yet, what truly made a difference were the extra efforts put in by the people behind the platform, which helped make the path smoother”, Manohar reflects.
“There are many online courses available, but NPTEL stands apart from the rest, for it is more structured, with good regular videos and assignments. They offer a lot of facilities for learners and ensure that quality information and knowledge reach the learners”, he adds, praising the platform for its thoughtful and user-friendly design.
Manohar’s learning schedule is a reflection of his discipline and commitment. His day starts at 4 am every day and is compartmentalized into blocks, letting him fulfil his teaching and administrative duties and learning endeavours.
His advocacy for NPTEL goes beyond the classroom and college and continues into his home as well. Upon his insistence, his wife, a teacher and also a local political leader and activist, has completed 8 courses and became a STAR learner herself this semester. His young son, too, completed his first NPTEL course when in Class 5. Clearly, Manohar has instilled this sort of culture at home as well.
More than the personal accolades, it is the scope for the empowerment of the rural students through NPTEL that drives Manohar to spread the word and knowledge of NPTEL around. “Students from rural areas don’t have access to good infrastructure, faculty, and guidance. But with NPTEL, they can directly learn from IIT Professors”.
Manohar’s goal is now all set in accomplishing the remaining STAR recognitions – the Superstar and Megastar – that he has been very narrowly missing every time. Speaking on advice to others, he says, “One may think they know everything. Try doing one NPTEL course. They humble, challenge, and transform you. Moreover, to those from small towns and villages, NPTEL is your window to the world”.
– Written by Asha Thangaraj