Learning challenges which might have been faced by many...

It was year 2000 when I was at Jorhat, Assam. I joined Indian Air Force at the age of 17 was not able to complete by formal 10+2 before joining.

I wished to pursue education in Science stream and thus took admissions to 10+2 in National Open School. The education standards were exceptional and the challenge was to understand the concepts.

I measured the entire span of Jorhat on my bicycles and requested many to spare time for helping me. However, the constraint was economy of effort. The curriculum was different and teaching someone separately required a huge fees, which they knew would have been beyond my affordability.

However, then I found an angel, a professor of Physics (Mr Deka) who on meeting me for the first time said that, "Vijay I am just teaching you due to your interest" and he helped me in Physics practical and mathematics. I learnt well and would always remain indebted to him.

Then I was doing my Masters in 2005 and while reading the study material was not able to understand anything. I walked to the University office and said that what is this material, the concerned gave a weird look and asked me what do you want. I said I am not able to understand the courseware seems disjointed. He asked me what is my intention, to get degree or learn. I said what would I do with a degree without associated knowledge. He gave me a list of books and mentored me for successful learning.

I want to bring out here two things that Universities need to focus on imparting knowledge and not degrees to the aspirants.

Yes the angels exists who would help you if you are keen to learn even if you have financial constraints, at least I found many and try to repay the same by conducting volunteer trainings to many in whatever form I can.