New Delhi, July 14 (UDN): In a remarkable story of determination and lifelong learning, a 45-year-old mother and her 21-year-old son graduated together from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, turning the institute's convocation into an unforgettable celebration of family, perseverance, and education.
Jigisha Tailor and her son, Aditya Kapadia, received degrees from IIT Madras's online Data Science programme during the institute's recent convocation. While Aditya was awarded a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Science and Applications, Jigisha earned a Diploma in the same programme. Although they had enrolled at different times, a special arrangement allowed the mother-son duo to walk onto the convocation stage together.
Jigisha, a former electronics lecturer from Bharuch, Gujarat, had taken a career break in 2019 to focus on her family after teaching for 16 years. Her return to academics came after Aditya encouraged her to explore IIT Madras's online programme, which had gained popularity for its flexibility and accessibility.
Aditya enrolled in the BS programme in 2021, inspired by his interest in data science and artificial intelligence during the Covid-19 pandemic. Watching her son pursue the course rekindled Jigisha's own passion for learning, and she joined the programme in late 2022.
Balancing academics with household responsibilities was no easy task. Jigisha adopted a disciplined routine, beginning her studies before sunrise and continuing whenever time permitted. To manage her workload effectively, she took one or two courses each semester, gradually progressing towards her qualification.
The shared academic journey transformed their relationship in unexpected ways. Beyond being mother and son, they became classmates, study partners, and friendly competitors. Aditya often helped his mother prepare for examinations and explained upcoming coursework, while both motivated each other to achieve better grades.
The emotional highlight came during the convocation ceremony. Since BS and Diploma students were seated separately, neither expected to receive their degrees together. However, after learning about their unique story, a fellow student helped arrange for them to be called to the stage side by side, creating one of the most memorable moments of the event.
Today, Aditya has begun his professional career in data science after securing a position with Syngenta. Jigisha, meanwhile, plans to return to teaching after supporting her younger son through his Class 12 studies.
Their inspiring journey demonstrates that education has no age limit and that with determination, family support, and the right opportunities, learning can become a shared achievement across generations.