Somay Naik
“When I look back at my journey with NPTEL, I realise it has been about much more than online courses, assignments, and certificates. It has been an experience that gave me the chance to learn, grow, and become part of something bigger than my regular college life.”
As an engineering student at Goa College of Engineering, Somay had always believed that learning should not be limited to what is taught inside the classroom. He wanted to explore opportunities beyond his university curriculum, and NPTEL gave him a platform to do exactly that. Learning through courses offered by faculty from IITs and IISc gave him a different perspective on education and encouraged him to take greater responsibilities.
Over time, NPTEL became more than just a platform where he enrolled in courses. Completing assignments, keeping up with course content, and balancing everything alongside regular college commitments taught him the importance of consistency and self-discipline. There were weeks when college exams, project work, and NPTEL deadlines all arrived together, and Somay had to plan his time carefully just to stay on track.
One of the moments that made this journey especially memorable for Somay, was earning the recognition of an NPTEL Discipline Star. For him, it was a meaningful milestone.
It felt good to see his efforts being recognised, and it reminded him that the time he had invested in learning beyond the classroom was worth something. This recognition also led him to the NPTEL STAR Interactive Session at IIT Bombay. The idea of being part of an event that brought together students from across the NPTEL community was exciting. Opportunities like these made him realise that online learning could open doors to experiences he may not have imagined otherwise.
The journey was not always straightforward. Like any student, Somay had to juggle examinations, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Sometimes opportunities and responsibilities overlapped, and he had to make difficult decisions about what to prioritise. These experiences taught him that academic life does not always go according to plan, and learning to manage that uncertainty is part of growing up.
What he values most about NPTEL is the opportunity it gave him to look beyond his immediate academic environment. It encouraged him to take initiative, pursue knowledge independently, and understand that learning is something to actively seek rather than simply wait to receive.
As he continues his journey, there is still a lot to learn and plenty of room to improve. But NPTEL will remain an important part of his experience as a student, not just because of the recognition or opportunities associated with it, but because of what it has taught him about taking ownership of one’s own education.
~written by Khadija Hussain
