Inspiration comes in many forms—sometimes from family, sometimes from mentors we meet unexpectedly. If I had to name my ultimate inspiration, I know it would be my elder sister. But life has a way of introducing us to people who profoundly impact our journey, and for me, that person is Mr. Sameer Sahasrabudhe.
Yes, the last name ‘Sahasrabudhe’ might remind many of the geeky ‘Virus’ character from 3 Idiots, but trust me, Sameer sir is anything but that stereotype. A former faculty at IIT Bombay and now at IIT Gandhinagar, he is a mentor who has transformed not just my academic path but my perception of what it means to be an educator, a researcher, and above all, a humble and kind human being.
It all started in early January 2024 when I enrolled in a SWAYAM course on Learner-Centric MOOCs—selfishly, because MOOCs are my PhD research focus. Little did I know that within three months, I would meet the course instructor in person, and by the end of the year, I would be presenting my research paper at IIT Gandhinagar, all thanks to Sameer sir.
I still remember the first time I saw him in person at Kirti College, Dadar. It was surreal—meeting the instructor I had only known through a screen. He walked in, calm and unassuming, no airs of authority, just a genuine willingness to meet his learner since he so advocates on power of community building. That day, I realized something: true educators don’t just teach; they inspire.
Coming from a private university, I had always been curious about the IIT tag. What makes it so special? Is it just the prestige, the rigor, the aura? Turns out, it’s not the tag—it’s the people. I strongly believe everyone should have at least one IITian in their circle. The experience is enriching. There’s no air of superiority, no unnecessary frills—just genuine intellectual curiosity and a willingness to guide others. Unlike my experiences where judgments often begin with English diction or formalities, here I found an openness and warmth that felt refreshingly different.
During a critical phase when I was between jobs, working part-time, and figuring things out, Sameer sir went out of his way to involve me in a Maharashtra-led government project. He mentored me, trained me, and nurtured my growth. His generosity and belief in my potential helped me find direction when I needed it the most.
It wasn’t just professional support; it was personal too. One evening, while discussing the project via call, he casually asked about my aspirations, my struggles, my journey. He listened—really listened. That’s rare. In that moment, I felt seen, understood, and most importantly, capable.
And then there’s his wife, Kaumudi—an absolute rockstar. Hosting eight of us at their home while we were at the IIT campus, waking up early to prepare meals, engaging with us late into the night, making us feel like family—she redefined hospitality. She even gave us a special Gujarati sweet with an extended expiry date so we could take a piece of their warmth back with us. Thoughtfulness at its best.
I remember the last morning at their place. We sat in their cozy dining area, sharing laughter over breakfast. The smell of fresh chai filled the air as Kaumudi ma’am insisted we take second servings. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a memory, a warmth that lingers long after you leave.
One moment that will always stay with me is when Sameer sir handed me a rickshaw driver’s contact outside Jasubhai Memorial Auditorium so I wouldn’t have to walk much across the enormous IIT campus. And when our enriching four-day stay ended, he gave full credit to his wife for making it memorable. That one act spoke volumes about the man he is.
Such a calm, composed, and inspiring gentleman—I pray to meet more souls like him. It’s rare. More than admiration, I envy the life he and Kaumudi ma’am have built together. A family built on love, respect, and kindness—something I deeply aspire to have someday. Is it luck? Past karma? Whatever it is, it’s the real luxury I chase.
To Sameer Sahasrabudhe, who make the world a better place, one student at a time.