Ajay Maken, a veteran Member of Rajya Sabha representing the Indian National Congress (INC), has marked a significant personal achievement by earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics with a focus on Data Analytics from the renowned Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata.
At 60 years old, Maken shared his success on social media, stating, “It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was fulfilling.” reflecting on the dedication required to complete this academic endeavour.
Maken’s political career began at just 19 when he joined the INC while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Hans Raj College in Delhi. He transitioned to full-time politics two years later, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a period of self-reflection, leading him back to his academic roots. He utilized online platforms such as Khan Academy and Coursera to deepen his understanding of statistics and data analytics, recognizing their relevance in today’s political landscape.
Maken expressed his commitment to using these modern tools, stating, “Now, with this Post Graduate Diploma, from such a prestigious institution, my journey continues. Statistics, Sampling, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning are modern political tools, and I hope to make a more meaningful contribution in the realm of politics.”
His achievement drew praise from fellow Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who highlighted the importance of lifelong learning in public service. Maken’s journey exemplifies the pursuit of knowledge and its potential to enhance political engagement, setting a powerful example for others in leadership positions as he prepares to leverage his new skills for meaningful contributions to public policy.
