Education Leaders | Top Interviews

My path to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) started with my increasing passion for mathematics. I belong to Delhi-NCR, and I studied at the Cambridge School, Noida. I did quite well in studies during middle school and improved significantly during high school. I never really had any interest in any extracurricular activities or sports during school.

But Class 10 changed things for me. I developed an interest in maths during classes 11 and 12 after completing my maths syllabus in Class 10. I began to find it satisfying to solve maths problems and learn new things. I ended up solving my Class 11 and 12 NCERT maths textbooks by the time I finished my Class 10 board exams. Considering my experience in solving these questions, I believed that it would not be difficult to clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). It was at that time that I decided to study for JEE.

I took the JEE in 2024. My rank in JEE Main was 2,604 (AIR) and 2,365 (AIR) in JEE Advanced. I prepared entirely through online classes of a coaching institute. I opted for online coaching since it was more convenient and flexible for a school-going student like me. It was not easy to attend school and online classes together as I had to study as soon as I reached home from school. I used to solve my coaching modules in the school itself. As mentioned above, I enjoy mathematics and logic. Thus, I wished to choose a branch with maximum mathematical usage. I filled computer science, mathematics and computing, and artificial intelligence in my Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling.

I eventually got admission in IIT Ropar in 2024 in the computer science branch. It was my first-ever time away from home. There were some challenges, such as getting used to mess food, hostel life and staying away from family. I miss home comfort and street foods of Delhi. I also miss playing and meeting my school friends. All this changed once I befriended someone. College life started enjoying much more after that.

I used to take a few days to get used to the IIT life. We first didn't have any classes because of the induction programme, so we had loads of time to discover things independently, make buddies and get accustomed to college life. The mess food wasn't as terrible as we anticipated yet nowhere near comparable to food from home. I soon made some buddies and met lots of individuals. It was extremely simple to befriend others here since everyone was of the same age, had the same academic interests and shared the same hobbies.

We don't need to join most clubs here to attend club events. Our induction programme included numerous club activities organized by all the clubs in the college. I had a lot of fun attending these activities and befriended new people. Once the induction programme was over, I only went to attend the sessions of clubs that I was interested in, such as the oratory club and software club. It is not at all difficult juggling academics and club activities because there are no activities scheduled during exam time, and club activities usually take place in the evening when there are no classes.

I have gained more independence and more confidence after joining IIT. I also become more social than I was when I was at home because there are a lot of like-minded individuals with whom I can easily identify and share common interests. I have realized the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals. A lot of people, including my seniors, professors, and parents, have all advised me the same. I used to see my computer science professor at the railway station one time, and we chatted about college life for an hour or so. He also put a lot of stress on the networking in college, which is good advice. 

I am at my classes from morning until afternoon. Later, I practice some sports like table tennis during the evening. After dinner, I spend time with my friends, play some video games, and study as well. There are a few nice places to hang out at our campus. The ones that we visit are the cafe, Maggi Point, and the garden. The majority of my money is spent in food outlets. There aren't many outlets so our choice is limited. As there isn't much to spend on, I don't spend more than my budget usually. I prefer eating Maggi at Maggi Point, fries at the cafeteria and milkshakes from the cafe. If I ever feel like I want something healthy, then I order eggs and paneer.

Half of the professors are good teachers, and half are not. I make it a point to go to every lecture of a well-taught course, whereas for others, I make sure to study from the senior students' notes to get good marks in the exams. Because of the 75 per cent attendance rule by our institute, we are still obligated to go to classes of badly taught courses, which is really unfortunate.

There really isn't much to do in the city. We do nearly all of our activities on campus. It is a good break from the commotion in Noida where I reside, though. There is far less pollution and we get to see a lot of birds and animals that don't show up in large cities. I feel campus life here is not all that different from the colleges my friends attend. But I think IITs have superior sports infrastructure, better networking opportunities, large fests, and clubbing activities.

I play badminton and table tennis on a regular basis. We also have our weekly sports period, where we usually play dodgeball. I have lots of fond memories with my friends. We spend most of our time making jokes, watching films, playing sports, preparing for exams, etc. We even took a trip to a nearby hill station during our winter break and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

If I were to alter some aspects of IIT life, I would enhance the quality of food in our mess, provide air conditioners in our hostels, and have more food outlets on our campus.

Upon finishing my BTech, I wish to gain some experience in tech in the industry. I am looking at various areas in tech and targeting my courses to lay good foundations in my first year.

Aahana Srishti, a talented young economist from Delhi, got All India Rank 3 in the extremely sought-after UPSC-conducted Indian Economic Service (IES) exam in 2024. In an inspiring LinkedIn post, she took the time to walk us through her experience, sharing with us the important tips that helped her secure one of India's toughest exams. Talking to The Indian Express in an interview that is exclusive to this newspaper, Aahana charted out her experience, study schedule, and mindset that enabled her to pull off this big achievement.

After being told about her success, Aahana mentioned that she had a dream-like experience. She did not treat the exam as a do-or-die situation but rather as a test of how much she knew about economics. She also had a plan B—if she failed the exam, then she would retake it or pursue a PhD. This mindset, as she explained, reduced the pressure and allowed her to focus without the looming specter of failure over her head. Aahana emphasized the importance of having fall-back plans because it helps in stress management and being clear-headed during preparation.

Aahana credited her success to several things, but most importantly her mother's rock-solid faith in her and so-called "divine intervention." She described how her mother drove her relentlessly, ensuring that she was emotionally robust throughout the journey. As much as work was required, she also understood that sometimes things magically fall into place, which encouraged her to believe even more strongly in perseverance and self-confidence.

Recalling her day of the UPSC interview, Aahana admitted to being nervous but was able to relax by reassuring herself that she had given it her best while she prepared. Attending the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) to begin training was a stepping stone and point of pride. She was profoundly proud of having the years she spent hard working convert into something purposeful.

Her journey has since then inspired numerous hopefuls, with numerous messages flooding in from people who were inspired by her journey. Aahana felt this deeply satisfying, particularly when someone told her that her success encouraged them that hard work bore fruit. She explained that if her journey was able to inspire one person to pursue their dreams, it would be all worth it.

Academically, Aahana graduated in Indraprastha College for Women followed by a post-graduation in Economics at IIFT. Her fieldwork also benefited her as a consultant with ICRIER, provided her with experience in economic policymaking and economic policymaking issues and their pragmatic implications, proving useful for IES exam preparations. She also advised the prospective contenders to study assiduously, do not be discouraged when they face disappointments, and watch out for mental health while in preparation mode. She also warned us to plan a plan B, and even went ahead to state that it can turn out to be a game-changer in managing the uncertainty of competitive exams.

In the years to come, Aahana is a probationary officer in the Indian Economic Service and wishes to provide a positive contribution towards policymaking in economics. She remains ready to pursue opportunities that will combine her interest in economics with policy application. Starting this new path, she hopes her story inspires others to reach for the pinnacle.

In a historic milestone, Ayush Patel, a Physics student of Lucknow University and cadet of the 64 UP Battalion NCC, has been chosen as an officer in the Indian Army. His path, filled with determination and tough training, has been greatly influenced by his National Cadet Corps (NCC) experience. By attending various training camps and tough training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, a strong foundation for his army career was established.

This interview reveals his experience, problems, and NCC's contribution to his success.

Q: Congratulations on your selection in the Indian Army! What has been your experience thus far?

A: Right from the initial stages, there was a desire to join the Indian Army. Between 2021 and 2023, I attended different NCC training camps, such as the NCC Combined Army Training Camp, map-reading camps, and weapon training camps. These imparted valuable skills and discipline.

Q: What type of training did you receive to prepare for this chance?

A: At the Officers Training Academy camp, in Chennai, complete training was accomplished. The training helped immensely towards instilling leadership traits, physical strength, and thinking stronger at a strategic level, which all contributed to achieving this success. 

Q: In what manner did NCC shape your path towards the Indian Army?

A: A major role was also played by NCC in this context. By the means of NCC, army discipline, team spirit, and leadership were achieved. The knowledge and experiences gained through camps and training proved helpful in bringing about the confidence and determination necessary for this choice.

Q: What would you like to tell other students who want to become a part of the Indian Army?

A: One must understand that hard work, discipline, and dedication are the keys to success. The opportunities offered by NCC must be made the most of by one's ability, and untiring efforts must be made to improve oneself physically and mentally. Anything is possible with determination.

Harvard University’s Professor Bharat N. Anand recently shed light on how artificial intelligence (AI) could play a transformative role in making education more accessible and affordable. Speaking about the future of education, Anand emphasized the importance of reimagining traditional learning models to reach a broader audience at lower costs.

In the last decade, Harvard has reached exponentially more people outside the walls of its physical classrooms, teaching approximately 15 million students online. That's compared to the 17,000 students that the organization enrolls in its degree programs each year. The worldwide movement towards online learning is a testament to the potential of digital technology, like AI, to equalize the playing field in education.

Anand cited Harvard's AXM program, which is aimed at the 40 million Americans who start college but fail to finish. He noted that technology needs to be utilized to fill the gap and allow more students to finish school. With AI-based learning systems, students are able to receive personalized education based on their own needs, improving learning and ease.

AI has already begun transforming much of the education, from automating back-end processes to more student interaction with adaptive learning technology. Anand pointed out that if institutions implemented AI, they could lower operational expenses, and this would enable them to provide cheaper education without reducing quality.

Although AI presents humongous possibilities, Anand envisaged issues with the process of embracing technology within academia. Institutions were challenged by him to deploy new thinking but not lose touch with the reality that education was interactive, inclusive, and productive. With colleges worldwide grappling with the potential offered by AI, the ideal proportion but yet again needs to be found between using technology and adopting old world pedagogic mechanisms.

Harvard's adoption of leveraging AI and digital media to expand access to learning is one aspect of a broader effort to deliver high-quality learning experiences to students regardless of geography or economic constraints. As institutions are on the move to explore AI-based models, the future of education may be more responsive, personalized, and accessible than ever.

Anand's words are an affirmation of the growing sense that AI is not merely a tool for enriching education but a force behind change in learning delivery and acquisition everywhere in the world. As more breakthroughs take center stage, AI can also be an overarching force behind the next generation of teachers and learners.

At only 14, NRI student Siddharth Nandyala from Dallas has made a tremendous leap in the field of medicine by creating an AI-based app, CircadiaV, to detect heart diseases within seven seconds. His achievement has already impressed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who praised his creativity. During an exclusive interview, Siddharth recounts how his innovation came about, what inspired him, and how parents can encourage creativity and innovation in children.

Q: Siddharth, how did you innovate CircadiaV?

I've always been intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence and how it can be used in medicine. I wanted to do something that would impact people's lives, particularly in regions where heart diseases could be detected earlier and lives could be saved. Realizing the difficulties doctors have in diagnosing heart issues in a timely manner, I asked myself, why not develop an AI system? CircadiaV came into existence based on this idea.

Q: How does CircadiaV work?

CircadiaV applies sophisticated AI algorithms to scan patient data and detect possible cardiac conditions within seven seconds. The application was piloted at Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH), where it demonstrated potential in accelerating diagnosis. Through the quick and accurate analysis, CircadiaV has the potential to enable doctors and medical practitioners to make quicker decisions, which can save lives.

Q: Leaders and Chief Minister Naidu have hailed your achievement. How is it?

It's truly humbling! CM Naidu went to the extent of posting on CircadiaV being a medical miracle on X, which also honored my certifications from Oracle and ARM for AI. It's quite proud-inducing. What I most want people to learn from is that perhaps other kids should also give science and tech a shot.

Q: Most parents wish to foster creativity and innovation in their kids. What do you believe works?

Creativity develops when you're curious, supported, and provided with the proper tools. These are a few things that worked for me and can work for other children as well:

Reading Together: Books inspire creativity! I enjoyed reading about science, and it made me curious. Parents need to read with their children and question them regarding the text in order to build problem-solving skills.

Encouraging Interests: If children love something, encourage them! My teachers and parents supported my interest in AI, and that helped me greatly.

Asking "What If" Questions: I ask myself, "What if this could be improved?" or "What if I could fix this?" This type of thinking promotes innovation. Parents and teachers can contribute by asking these questions consistently.

Being a Role Model: Children learn from grownups. When parents demonstrate their own creative problem-solving and thinking, it encourages children to follow their examples.

Experimenting with Creative Play: Schedule some time for experiments. I began with tiny coding projects, and with time, that motivated me to develop AI models. With science, art, or coding, children must be allowed to experiment and play.

Q: What's next for you?

I want to continue pushing the limits of AI in healthcare. I think that AI has the potential to transform diagnostics into life-saving technology available to all. My next course of action is to continue developing CircadiaV and look for further AI-based medical solutions.

Q: Lastly, tips for young innovators like yourself?

Show interest. Take chances. Don't be scared of failing. Every significant invention starts with a query. You'll be astounded at what you can do if you stay committed and keep learning!

The accomplishment of Siddharth Nandyala shows that, with the right conditions and encouragement, kids can turn their ideas into creative innovations. Parents, educators, and young people with an interest in science and technology will find inspiration in his quest.

Malik Riaz Hussain is Pakistani real estate mogul, is the founder of Bahria Town It is Pakistan's largest privately owned development company.

He was born into a middle-class family, his father was a private contractor. His father was a businessman, but his business failed. So Riaz had to drop out of school after matriculation. He began working as a clerk with the Military Engineering Service (MES) in Rawalpindi. Besides this job Riaz also worked part-time as a painter.

In 1995, he founded his own construction firm, Hussain Global, and entered into an agreement with the Pakistan Navy's benevolent trust, Bahria Foundation. It was to construct a gated community for the Navy. But the agreement was terminated in 2000.

When Malik Riaz's deal with the army expired, the Bahria Foundation of the Navy sent a legal notice to Riaz and requested him not to use terms such as Bahria, Maritime, and Navy in his company's construction work.

In 2001, the Supreme Court of Pakistan passed a landmark judgment in his favor, legalizing the use of the name 'Bahria'. Bahria Town has since then developed large-scale projects in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, and Karachi. Bahria Town Karachi 2 is presently the biggest private development project in Pakistan.

As per media reports, Malik Riaz's net worth is estimated to be over $2.5 billion as of 2025. His portfolio and working projects within Bahria Town add to his wealth. 

Malik Riaz has twice been married. His first wife died when he was still young, and after some time, he married Beena Riaz. The two have one son and four daughters. His son, Ahmed Ali Riaz, born in 1978, is the CEO of Bahria Town.