Mom & Son Earn IIT Madras Degrees Together

Top Summary

• What happened: A mother and son duo, Jigisha Tailor (45) and Aditya Kapadia (21), received their degrees from IIT Madras on the same convocation stage.
• Why it matters: This unique achievement highlights the accessibility of online education and the power of lifelong learning, breaking age barriers.
• What changes: It inspires individuals of all ages to pursue higher education and demonstrates that family responsibilities need not halt academic aspirations.
• Who is affected: The story impacts students, parents, educators, and anyone considering a career change or further studies.

A Shared Academic Journey

At the recent IIT Madras convocation, a truly extraordinary moment unfolded as Jigisha Tailor, 45, and her son Aditya Kapadia, 21, walked across the stage together to collect their degrees. While they shared the same prestigious institution and stage, their academic paths, though intertwined, were not initially planned in tandem.

Jigisha, who had dedicated 16 years to teaching electronics in Bharuch, Gujarat, stepped away from her career in 2019 due to family commitments. However, her return to academics was spurred by her son, Aditya, who persuaded her to join the IIT Madras online BS in Data Science and Applications in 2021.

Data Science: A Modern Pursuit

Aditya, then 18, enrolled in the online program during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was drawn to the burgeoning fields of data science and AI. He found the subject matter inherently interesting and exciting, choosing it based on its own merits.

Initially, Aditya juggled the IIT Madras course with a diploma at an Ahmedabad college, a requirement at the time for online students. This changed when IIT Madras's senate recognized the online degree as equivalent to a regular four-year program, allowing him to focus solely on his IIT studies.

Restarting, Together

Jigisha observed her son's studies from the periphery, the coursework a familiar yet new language of statistics and systems. Aditya's consistent encouragement finally led her to enroll towards the end of 2022.

Returning to studies after a long hiatus proved challenging. Jigisha admits,

Initially, it was like after a long period of time, I was learning once again the maths and stats. That was a little bit difficult to grasp.

However, with support from the institute's doubt-clearing sessions and a dedicated WhatsApp group, she found her footing.

 

She adopted a lighter course load, taking one or two subjects per semester, a flexibility Aditya praises for its accommodation of working professionals or those like his mother. This allowed them to balance studies with household chores and family life.

Family Support and Friendly Rivalry

Jigisha's decision was met with skepticism from some relatives questioning her pursuit of education and a job at her age. She maintained her resolve, stating,

I would tell them that I want to do something different.

 

At home, the support was unwavering. Her husband, a college professor himself, was a crucial motivator during moments of pressure. Her father-in-law checked on her project deadlines, and her mother-in-law, despite physical challenges, offered encouragement.

It was their support that made it possible,

Jigisha shared.

 

A friendly rivalry soon emerged between mother and son, fueled by a desire to achieve top grades.

There was a sense of competition, like who would score an A or an S,

Aditya recalled. Jigisha's achievement of an 'S' grade, the highest distinction, spurred him to match it, and vice versa.

 

Aditya, having a head start, guided his mother through the program's nuances, from viva panels to online proctored exams. His experience proved invaluable for Jigisha's academic journey.

Future Aspirations

Aditya completed his BS in 2024 and secured an internship at Syngenta, leading to a full-time offer. Jigisha also finished around the same time but chose to focus on supporting her younger son, currently in Class 12, before embarking on her job search.

The idea of returning to teaching is strong in Jigisha's mind. Her husband has proposed guest lectures at his college, acknowledging her new expertise.

I now have a different background with me. I think I can teach even better now.

 

The most poignant moment was at the convocation, a detail arranged by a batchmate after hearing their story. They walked on stage together, a diploma for her and a BS for him, a testament to their shared effort.

It felt like a miracle,

Jigisha expressed.

 

Aditya gained a new perspective on his mother's dedication.

I saw her routine, and I was inspired. This is how you study, this is how you work hard.

The shared experience deepened their bond, allowing them to spend more time together and for Aditya to witness a younger, learning version of his mother.

 

What to Watch Next

Jigisha Tailor is expected to leverage her renewed academic credentials to re-enter the teaching field, potentially bringing fresh perspectives to her students. Aditya Kapadia is set to embark on his professional journey in data science, with further advancements in AI and data analytics on the horizon for many graduates.