Breaking the age barrier: How can I help?

“Arriving at BITS Pilani from a Hindi-medium school in MP was a cultural shock. English dominated conversations, creating a hurdle for me. During the admission process, my father and I searched for people who could speak Hindi and took notes from them. While I knew the technical terms in English, everyday conversation was challenging. I couldn’t even ask my roommate to switch off the lights in my initial days. A friend helped me navigate these difficulties.

After my UG, I secured a job at a software company where I, earlier, interned for 6 months. However, the language barrier in Bangalore and my lack of fulfillment at the job led me to quit and pursue a Master’s degree. Even then, a PhD was not on my radar. I aimed for civil services but, after 3 years and a bout of illness, I returned home.

While at home, a senior asked me to join a teaching position at a new university. I found teaching quite enjoyable and it motivated me to pursue a PhD. My younger brother, studying at Ashoka, recommended the place. While scrolling through their website, I found professors whose names I had come across during my civil services preparation. It fascinated me. Incidentally, Ashoka University was the only place I applied for a PhD. I was fortunate to be accepted. I joined under a great mentor, teacher and researcher, who sadly left a year later and passed away the next year. He had reassigned us to younger faculty members before leaving during COVID-19.

Initially, I struggled with my new guide due to online interactions, but over time, he became a supportive and encouraging mentor. What I admired most about him was his approachability. I witnessed him ask an undergraduate student, “How can I help?” – a rarity among professors. At Ashoka, I also encountered other professors who openly admitted when they didn’t know something. I believe that being kind and acknowledging our limitations while remaining eager to learn improves the entire educational system. This mindset is essential for becoming better teachers.”

-Bhavesh Neekhra, PhD in Computer Science, Ashoka University, New Delhi

Interviewed and written by Payel Das