At a time when international collaborations, overseas conferences, and global research exchanges are considered integral to academic leadership, V. Kamakoti stands apart. The Director of Indian Institute of Technology Madras has never travelled abroad and, by choice, does not even own a passport.

Despite leading one of India's premier engineering institutions and serving on the Centre's high-powered task force on examination reforms, Kamakoti says he has never felt the need to leave the country. Instead, he believes that meaningful academic exchanges should happen in India, with global experts visiting the country rather than Indian scholars always travelling overseas.

No Passport by Choice

Kamakoti has publicly stated on multiple occasions that he does not possess a passport because he has never considered international travel essential to his work or mission.

While many academicians routinely attend overseas conferences, pursue international fellowships, or collaborate through foreign visits, Kamakoti has consciously built his academic career entirely within India. His belief is that India should become a destination where researchers from across the world come to exchange ideas.

His decision is unusual, particularly for someone who heads an IIT and is actively involved in shaping national education policy.

Rural Childhood Shaped His Worldview

Born in Chennai in 1968, Kamakoti grew up in a family with strong academic roots. His father was a Sanskrit professor at the University of Madras, but instead of beginning school in the city, his parents sent him to spend his early childhood with his grandparents in the villages of Mudikondan and Vishnupuram in Tamil Nadu.

Those formative years, he has often said, profoundly influenced his outlook on education, society, and Indian traditions.

Living in rural Tamil Nadu exposed him to farming, nature, and community life. He has frequently acknowledged that the experience taught him the importance of agriculture and reinforced his belief that farmers remain the backbone of the country.

These experiences continue to shape many of his public views on Indian knowledge systems, traditional practices, and education.

From Cricket Lover to Classical Music Student

Kamakoti's childhood was not defined solely by academics.

He was passionate about cricket until a turning point during Class 7, when a ball struck his spectacles while opening the batting for his school team. Concerned about his safety, his father reportedly threw away his cricket bat and discouraged him from playing the sport.

Although upset initially, Kamakoti soon discovered another lifelong passion—Carnatic violin. Learning classical music became an important part of his childhood, and he later reflected that, apart from the cricket incident, his parents never imposed career choices on him, allowing him to pursue his interests freely.

From Average Student to IIT Scholar

Contrary to the stereotype of an IIT topper excelling from an early age, Kamakoti describes himself as an average student during his school years.

After joining PS Senior Secondary School in Chennai, he fractured his hand shortly after admission and scored just 25 out of 100 in mathematics in one of his early examinations. Encouragement from his school principal proved transformative.

By the end of the academic year, he had scored 100 out of 100 in mathematics, significantly improving in physics as well. That turnaround eventually led him to IIT Madras, where he completed his BTech, MTech, and PhD before joining the institute as a faculty member.

Over the years, he built a distinguished academic career in computer architecture, embedded systems, cybersecurity, and computer science, eventually becoming Director of IIT Madras.

National Spotlight and Education Reforms

Kamakoti has frequently been in the public spotlight for his views on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), indigenous sciences, and traditional practices.

More recently, he was appointed to the Centre's high-level committee tasked with recommending reforms to India's examination system. The committee also includes S. Somanath, Nandan Nilekani, and Tapan Kumar Deka, among other experts.

His appointment drew political attention after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised him during a parliamentary debate. Kamakoti has maintained that his focus remains on strengthening India's examination system and improving outcomes for students.

Choosing a Different Path

Whether or not one agrees with his public positions, Kamakoti's career is unusual in Indian academia. While many education leaders pursue global visibility through international travel, he has consciously chosen to remain rooted in India.

His decision not to own a passport reflects a personal philosophy rather than a professional limitation. For Kamakoti, the goal has always been to contribute to Indian education and research from within the country while encouraging the world to engage with India on its own soil.

In a major boost to international tourism, Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Package Visa system that combines tourist visa applications with travel bookings, allowing eligible visitors to complete multiple travel formalities through a single, integrated platform. The initiative is being rolled out through selected travel and tourism service providers in international markets before its wider global launch.

The Package Visa is designed to simplify the travel experience by enabling visitors to apply for a tourist visa while simultaneously booking flights, accommodation and other travel services. The move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to enhance visitor convenience and strengthen its position as a leading global tourism destination.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, travellers will be able to plan their entire journey—from visa application to hotel reservations and tourism activities—through a single booking process, reducing paperwork and making travel planning more seamless.

Commenting on the launch, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said the initiative reflects the Kingdom's commitment to improving accessibility for international visitors.

"As Saudi’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors. By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience," he said.

The Package Visa builds on Saudi Arabia's recent efforts to modernise its visa system. Since introducing the tourist e-Visa, the country has also expanded travel options through visa-on-arrival facilities and the Stopover Transit Visa, contributing to rapid growth in international arrivals. According to the government, Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025, highlighting the success of its tourism expansion strategy.

Also Read: Indian-Origin Entrepreneur Shares How a Rejected US Student Visa Led to a Global Career in Technology and Entrepreneurship

Under the new initiative, eligible travellers can also include events, sightseeing tours and tourism experiences as part of their travel package, creating a more comprehensive and personalised itinerary.

For travel companies, the Package Visa offers an opportunity to design integrated holiday packages that encourage longer stays and provide a smoother customer experience. However, the service will initially be available only through qualified travel and tourism providers that meet prescribed service standards and offer 24/7 customer support to travellers.

Key Features of Saudi Arabia's Package Visa

• Integrates tourist visa applications with travel bookings.
• Allows visitors to book flights, hotels and tourism activities in one process.
• Fully digital and designed to simplify international travel.
• Available initially through approved travel and tourism service providers.
• Supports Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming a globally accessible and experience-driven tourism destination.

Also READ: Why Gen Z Is Choosing Study Tourism Over Traditional Education: The New Way to Learn, Travel and Build a Career

The launch of the Package Visa marks another step in Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to make travel more convenient while supporting the Kingdom's ambitious tourism growth plans under its long-term economic diversification strategy.

GenZ is using their free will to the fullest. They have realised not every lesson needs to begin with a textbook, sometimes it begins with choosing the next country to travel, exploring a centuries-old museum, visiting a technology hub, or learning a new language while living in a different culture. genZ is reviving the ancient method of experiential learning. 

This change has led to the emergence of one of the fastest-growing trends in global education today– Study Tourism.

Study tourism for students aged 16 to 25 is a combination of tourism and studying, where students not only learn, but gain practical skills, cultural understanding and worldviews, through travelling. Study tourism is growing from being only an education option to a better preparation for the future, as universities and employers are recognizing the importance of experience in real life.

What is Study Tourism?

Study tourism is educational travel that allows students to learn through academic programmes, field visits, cultural experiences, research projects and industry exposure in another city or country.

The main goal is learning, which is not the case in traditional tourism. The journey becomes the learning experience, and not the holiday. Study tourism can include:

Whether students spend two weeks in Japan studying robotics or participate in a sustainability programme in Europe, the goal remains the same, which is learning through experiencing the knowledge itself.

Study Tourism is Becoming a Trend

The students of today are preparing to meet the challenges of job opportunities that don't yet exist. Employers are seeking alternatives to grades, valuing skills in adaptability, communication, creativity and problem solving.

This is where study tourism comes in to develop these skills naturally. Changes in surroundings promote independence. Communication is enhanced when one meets with people of varied cultures. The confidence and adaptability gained through exploration of new environments that cannot be achieved in the classroom are valuable assets for students.

Traveling is also an experience that alters the perspectives of many students. History comes alive when it's seen in person. Engineering concepts come to life when seen at the advanced manufacturing facilities. Students gain knowledge of culture and culture perspectives that can't be fully understood in a textbook.

Learning Beyond Borders

One of the biggest advantages of study tourism is that every destination offers a different learning experience.

Students frequently come back with more than just facts. They have a deeper insight into education, business, sustainability and innovation in various countries.

Is Study Tourism Boosting Job Opportunities?.

Increasingly, yes. Employers these days appreciate candidates who are willing to take initiative, adapt and have an understanding of people from diverse backgrounds. Students can share experiences during the study tour with experiences that are not related to the classroom.

Students may develop skills such as:

These experiences can strengthen university applications, scholarships, internships and future job opportunities.

Is Study Tourism Only for Students Who Want to Study Abroad?

Not at all. The greatest misconception is that study tourism is only available for the students who are studying full-time in another country.

Educational programmes are now available at several universities/schools and other educational organisations, and vary from a few days to a few weeks. Workshops, academic conferences, cultural visits, innovation bootcamps and industry interactions are included in many of them.

Students may attend during the school holidays or school breaks, without impacting on their regular schooling.

Traditional Learning vs Study Tourism

What is the cost involved in Study Tourism?

The budget always comes into mind first, when considering college admission. Study tourism has become more than just a costly exchange programme; international programmes are no longer a large expense.

There are a lot of institutions that now provide:

• Short-duration academic tours
• International Immersion Programs led by Universities.
• Scholarship-supported exchanges
• Government-funded educational visits
• Summer and winter schools

With proper planning and information about the opportunities, study tourism can be accessible to students more than they think is possible.

Experiential Learning via Travelling

Study tourism promotes students' questioning rather than memorisation. A biology student that is learning about wildlife conservation in another country has something to learn more than just in labs. A student of design spends time visiting exhibitions around the world to find new ways to be creative. Entrepreneurship education for business students is not purely theoretical, it's a matter of conversation. This blend of education and experience provides a more engaging, memorable and practical learning experience.

Key Skills for Life Beyond the Journey

While academic learning prepares students for examinations, experiences can make an impact on careers. Students actively engaged in study tourism often acquire:

• Communication skills
• Cultural awareness
• Leadership qualities
• Problem-solving ability
• Confidence
• Global outlook
• Independent thinking

These skills are useful in any career path they may go down.

The Future of Education May Be Borderless

The world of education is evolving at a fast pace. While knowledge can be accessed virtually from anywhere, experience can't be downloaded. Study tourism is the perfect solution to this, offering academic learning alongside cultural understanding, and with practical exposure and personal growth. It promotes curiosity among students to become ‘curious learners' who are not only subject matter experts but are also aware of the surrounding world.

Gen Z defines success in new ways, beyond degrees, focusing on experiences, adaptability, and global perspectives. This shift in perspective is mirrored in study tourism, with young people having the chance to learn outside of the classroom whilst preparing for a career in a more globalized world.

With the changing nature of education, there is one clear message: sometimes, the best learning takes place when students are outside the classroom.

An Indian-origin entrepreneur has shared how the rejection of his US student visa application after completing his undergraduate studies became an unexpected turning point, ultimately leading to the creation of multiple US-focused businesses and a career spanning North America and the Middle East.

In a post on X, entrepreneur Vijay Thirumalai reflected on his journey from being denied an F-1 student visa despite securing a full scholarship to eventually building successful technology ventures serving the US market.

Full Scholarship, But No Student Visa

According to Thirumalai, he had secured a 100% scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas immediately after completing his undergraduate education.

However, his F-1 visa application was refused because his family was unable to demonstrate sufficient financial resources during the visa interview.

Despite receiving a full tuition scholarship, he said his family could show only around ₹1 lakh in bank savings—funds borrowed from relatives—which did not satisfy the financial documentation requirements.

Unable to afford another visa application or apply to universities in other countries, including Canada or Europe, he abandoned his plans to study abroad.

Thirumalai described the months following the rejection as emotionally challenging, particularly as many of his peers successfully left India to pursue higher education in the United States.

Building a Career Without an International Degree

Instead of pursuing graduate studies overseas, Thirumalai joined ADP Dealer Services as a networking engineer.

Within a year, he travelled to the United States on a business (B1/B2) visa as part of a pilot team that helped expand the company's India operations.

The experience provided international exposure that later inspired his entrepreneurial ambitions.

From Startup Founder to Global Entrepreneur

Thirumalai later founded a technology startup inspired by data analytics company Palantir, developing solutions for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

According to him, the company generated more than US$15 million in revenue within three years before he exited by selling his stake.

He now leads Goldwater, a company that supports highly skilled Indian professionals seeking career opportunities across the United States and North America.

Thirumalai also shared that he currently holds Canadian citizenship, has been granted a UAE Golden Visa, and is awaiting a US EB-5 investor green card, while managing a multi-million-dollar business and investment portfolio.

Lessons for International Students

Reflecting on his experience, Thirumalai credited the United States with playing a central role in his professional journey despite the initial visa setback.

His story highlights an increasingly common reality in global education: while student visas often represent the first pathway to international careers, they are not the only route to building global professional opportunities.

For aspiring international students, the experience underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and exploring multiple pathways—including employment, entrepreneurship, and international business—towards achieving long-term global career goals.

Social Media Response

Thirumalai's story resonated widely on social media, with many users describing it as an example of perseverance and resilience in the face of early setbacks.

Several commenters noted that visa refusals, while disappointing, need not define a student's future, with many praising his determination to pursue alternative pathways that ultimately led to entrepreneurial success.

Avi Loeb, Harvard University, UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena), White House UFO panel, Pentagon UFO investigations, and extraterrestrial life are drawing global attention after the Trump administration appointed the prominent astrophysicist to head a new scientific advisory council on UAPs. The panel will support the U.S. government's efforts to investigate unexplained aerial sightings and assess any potential national security implications through a data-driven scientific approach.

Loeb, an Israeli-American astrophysicist and former chair of Harvard University's Department of Astronomy, is widely known for his unconventional research into the possibility of extraterrestrial technology. He gained international attention after suggesting that the interstellar object ʻOumuamua could have been an artificial object rather than a naturally occurring celestial body, a hypothesis that sparked debate within the scientific community.

The newly formed advisory council will work alongside the U.S. government's UAP Governance Board, established under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) as part of a broader initiative to increase transparency around unidentified aerial phenomena. The council will review military sightings, analyse sensor data, examine declassified evidence and advise policymakers on whether unexplained incidents present security concerns. Loeb's team has already requested access to more than 50 videos, photographs and documents from the Pentagon for scientific evaluation.

Speaking about his appointment, Loeb said the investigation would begin with the assumption that reported UAPs have conventional, human-made explanations while remaining open to alternative possibilities if supported by credible evidence. His approach reflects the philosophy of the Galileo Project, an independent research initiative he founded to study unexplained aerial phenomena using advanced telescopes, sensors, artificial intelligence and other scientific instruments.

Supporters say Loeb's appointment could help shift UFO investigations from speculation to evidence-based research by applying rigorous scientific methods. Critics, however, argue that his past claims regarding extraterrestrial technology remain controversial and question whether his leadership will satisfy mainstream scientific standards.

The creation of the advisory council signals a growing willingness by the U.S. government to involve independent scientists in examining unresolved UAP cases. Whether the panel ultimately explains mysterious sightings through conventional science or uncovers previously unknown phenomena, its findings are expected to influence future research, national security discussions and public understanding of unidentified aerial events.

India visa website, The Economist, Indian visa application, digital governance, government websites, and India digital infrastructure have become the centre of an online debate after The Economist published a critical assessment of India's visa application portal. The article sparked strong reactions on social media, with some users agreeing that the website needs improvement, while others defended India's broader digital achievements and questioned the publication's portrayal of the country's technology ecosystem.

In its Ashoka column, The Economist described India's visa application website as "clunky" and "hostile," claiming users should prepare with "water and paracetamol" before navigating the portal. The publication pointed to outdated page designs, broken links, intrusive pop-up windows, complex CAPTCHA systems and technical glitches, arguing that these reflected bureaucratic inefficiencies rather than a lack of technological expertise. It also referred to an ethical hacker's findings on vulnerabilities in another government portal to support its broader criticism of digital governance.

The article prompted mixed reactions across India. Some public figures, including NCP (SP) spokesperson Anish Gawande and Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia, agreed that the visa portal suffers from usability issues and called for improvements. Others, including corporate strategist Sandip Ghose and scientist Deepessh Divaakaran, argued that focusing on a single website overlooked India's globally recognised digital initiatives such as Aadhaar, UPI, and other large-scale public digital infrastructure. Several social media users also shared positive experiences with the visa portal, suggesting that the platform's performance varies across users.

The debate soon expanded beyond the visa website to broader questions about the quality of public digital services. While India has earned international recognition for developing digital infrastructure, experts have previously highlighted that several government websites continue to face challenges related to accessibility, user-friendly design and modern interface standards. Analysts attribute these issues to legacy administrative systems, procurement processes and the digitisation of paper-based workflows without sufficient emphasis on user experience.

Industry observers noted that concerns about the visa portal have been raised for years. At the same time, the government has continued efforts to modernise online services, including introducing revamped portals for foreign contribution regulation and digital Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. Whether the renewed public attention leads to wider improvements in the usability of government websites remains to be seen.