Dr. Prashant B. Daigavane – NPTEL STAR
Dr. Prashant B. Daigavane, a Professor of Civil Engineering and Dean of Infrastructure at the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, has spent his life committed to learning and teaching. Nearing 60, he has dedicated over half his life to education, proving that experience is a starting point for continued growth, not an endpoint. His educational background is broad and deep, including a diploma, B.Tech, and M.Tech from Government Engineering College Amravati, a Ph.D., and even an LLB degree he earned later in life.
Although Dr. Daigavane’s teaching career was well-established, a new chapter began in 2021 when he discovered NPTEL. Initially hesitant and unfamiliar with digital platforms, he quickly changed his mind after enrolling in his first course.
Starting with his core subject, Civil Engineering, he successfully cleared four subjects on his first try, earning the “Believer Star” badge. This achievement not only motivated him but also inspired the students he mentors, many of whom have now joined the NPTEL ecosystem.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. In less than five years, Dr. Daigavane completed 73 NPTEL courses and is currently taking 12 more. His consistent performance has earned him 23 star badges, including “Disciplined Star,” “Enthusiast,” and “Motivated Learner.” He has also been named an “NPTEL Champion’ twice for clearing at least eight subjects in one exam cycle. Dr. Daigavane’s academic journey continues, and he hopes to achieve the “Superstar” and “Mega Star” levels soon.
Beyond personal achievement, Dr. Daigavane has woven NPTEL into the institutional fabric of his college.
As the NPTEL Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for GCoE Nagpur, he has been key in starting Minor and Major Degree programs. Students can now earn a minor degree by completing 18–20 NPTEL credits in a subject outside their main field, or a major in their core area. This initiative has already benefited several students, with six of them earning these academic distinctions under his guidance.
Dr. Daigavane’s support for NPTEL goes beyond just metrics and certificates; it stems from his belief in the opportunities it creates.
He highlights how the Fee Waiver Scheme, in particular, allows economically disadvantaged students to earn an IIT-certified credential, opening doors they might not have had. According to Dr. Daigavane, “NPTEL is a gateway to building thoughtful individuals who can meaningfully engage with the world.” He believes it empowers learners to contribute to a broader purpose, where knowledge is not just gained but also shared and applied.
He encourages both educators and students to explore NPTEL – not just to improve their credentials, but to broaden their worldview and deepen their commitment to self-improvement.
The NPTEL platform is just as relevant for faculty members as its Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) play a key role in Career Advancement Schemes. Staying updated with the latest knowledge and teaching practices is a major advantage.
Dr. Daigavane proudly shares that his Principal actively joins him in these learning efforts, which shows a culture of collective academic growth at their college.
His engagement with NPTEL also led him to topics beyond his technical field. With a strong interest in psychology, he has explored subjects like “Mental Health and Well-being,” gradually gaining expertise in that area. These explorations align with his belief in Universal Human Values (UHV) – a framework promoted by the AICTE and various Indian academic institutions.
Dr. Daigavane’s approach to life is both grounded and inspiring. He believes in joyfully performing his duties as a way of life, not merely as a means to an end. This philosophy is reflected in his commitment to sustainability – having planted over 1,950 QR-tagged trees on campus, with plans for 200 more, enabling students and visitors to engage with nature through learning. The same spirit is evident in the way he continues to sit for exams with genuine curiosity and humility, often alongside much younger peers.
His family plays an important role in this journey – with a special shout-out to his wife, Dr. Jyoti, who sometimes even helps with exam logistics and preparation.
He reflects with heartfelt conviction on how NPTEL inspires learners to truly internalize core values. It begins with the trust students place in IITs and grows into respect, care, and responsibility, ultimately leading to a deep sense of shared humanity and contribution.
The journey of Dr. Prashant B. Daigavane is a powerful reminder that lifelong learning is not defined by age or achievement, but by mindset. His example shows that when one embraces education as a continuous, evolving process, the possibilities for personal and societal impact become limitless.
– written by Satyam Shukla