S.Lakshmana Kumar – NPTEL STAR
In 2003, S. Lakshmana Kumar began his journey as an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Sona College of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu. For him, teaching was never just a profession—it was a calling, one that allowed him to shape young minds while nurturing his own curiosity. Over the years, his passion for both teaching and innovation deepened, eventually guiding him toward a PhD in manufacturing with a focus on mechanical engineering and design.
It was research that laid the foundation for one of his most notable achievements in 2024. The Indian Patent Office granted him a patent for an innovative grinding process that not only enhances precision in machining but also improves efficiency and reduces material wastage—benefits that have direct applications in modern manufacturing. Unlike the conventional academic route of publishing alone, Kumar chose to translate his research into a practical contribution to his field—an accomplishment that reflects both his rigor as a scholar and his commitment to meaningful innovation.
Dr. Lakshmana’s tryst with NPTEL began in 2018, almost by chance. Having explored other e-learning platforms,
he initially dismissed NPTEL as just another resource. Then, his first attempt at learning in NPTEL seemed to confirm his belief, as it ended in disappointment, when missed assignment deadlines made him ineligible for the exam. What could have discouraged many became a turning point for him.
Spurred on by a colleague’s reminder and his own resolve to prove that he could stay disciplined without external pushes, he returned the following semester with renewed focus. This time, he enrolled in two courses and completed them successfully.
With confidence growing, he steadily raised the bar—four courses the next semester, then six, then ten. Today, he comfortably handles as many as twelve courses in a single semester, building a portfolio of learning that stands out even among the most committed faculty members. His dedication also created a ripple effect on campus, motivating colleagues and helping his college secure the top rank in faculty performance for five consecutive cycles, competing against more than 7,000 institutions nationwide.
Initially, he was not focused on accolades like NPTEL stars. But during the pandemic in 2020, earning four star certificates in a single semester became a turning point. It brought out the student in him, motivating him to explore all star categories and aim higher. He believes this dedication to NPTEL keeps him “energetic”, while inspiring in him a journey of continuous learning, growth and progress.
He admits that as a mechanical engineer, it wasn’t easy to access subjects beyond his core field. Yet, NPTEL provided the perfect opportunity. What began with curiosity soon expanded into a multidisciplinary journey—he has since earned a domain certification in Data Science, explored Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Intellectual Property Rights, while continuing to deepen his expertise in his core areas:
Product Design and Manufacturing Process & Technology. He believes this blend of disciplines is not only vital for his career but also for making meaningful contributions to society.
His relentless pursuit of knowledge has earned him wide recognition. Over time, he has registered for 78 NPTEL courses and completed and earned certification in 65 of them. At a recent felicitation event at an IIT, he pleasantly discovered that he held the top position in course registrations, a moment that affirmed the value of his dedication. Over the years, he has also been invited multiple times to NPTEL felicitation ceremonies at IITs, and he treasures each of those as a milestone in his learning journey. Among them, one occasion that stands out vividly is when the organizers felicitated him on stage alongside the Director of IIT Madras, Mr. Kamakoti. For him, it was not just an award but a moment of redemption, softening the regret of missing out on PhD admission at an IIT back in 2003, and proving that perseverance and passion can carve out new paths to fulfillment.
Drawing inspiration from his admiration for ‘Superstar’ Rajinikanth, he now aspires to earn the coveted Superstar and Mega Star badges. Until then, his collection of badges—including Discipline Star, Believer, Enthusiast, Evangelist, Pioneer, and Super Believer—already reflects the depth of his dedication.
Beyond academics, Dr. Lakshmana is deeply fond of reading books, watching movies, and listening to music—simple joys that bring balance to his otherwise busy life. Yet he admits much of his free time is increasingly absorbed by his passion for learning, which he now considers another form of relaxation. This blend of traditional hobbies and the joy of study keeps him both grounded and energetic.
His philosophy of learning is a simple yet powerful one, rooted in the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita: “Focus on your work and leave the result to God.” For him, learning is more than a habit; it is a lifelong companion that never lets him down. His story is a shining reminder that with self-motivation, discipline, and purpose, education becomes more than personal advancement — it becomes a source of pride for one’s institution and a beacon of inspiration for an entire community.
– written by Satyam Shukla