A Journey of Lifelong Learning and Resilience
After more than 60 years as a tech expert, Mahendra Patel shocked everyone by starting a new educational and personal development path. He enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin’s Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Mahendra was born in a small village in Gujarat, India, where his talents in academics and sports became evident early on.
Among other awards and recognitions, the Indian president at the time, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, presented him with a medal for being the best all-around student in appreciation of his achievements.
His father’s support and an unexpected telegram marked the beginning of his journey to the United States—a development that would impact
Keep reading to find out more about the man who never stopped learning!
A New World and Academic Pursuits
Arriving in the States in the 1960s, Mahendra faced difficulties adapting to a new culture. It also took a lot of work navigating a foreign academic landscape. Despite the initial challenges, he thrived at Yale University and earned a master’s degree in structural engineering.
Mahendra founded Patel Consultants Corporation in 1973 with his entrepreneurial spirit. It is a pioneering software consulting firm. His visionary approach and dedication to excellence propelled the company to success, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the IT industry.
Constantly Evolving, Always Learning
Even as he achieved remarkable success, Patel’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. He embarked on new intellectual pursuits, including classical music and Indian Shastras. His journey was not without its challenges. He had battled health issues for decades. However, he overcame these obstacles through patience and a commitment to well-being and embraced a healthier lifestyle.
Embracing AI at 86
At age 86, Mahendra’s curiosity led him to explore the world of Artificial Intelligence. Despite his extensive experience in the IT field, he recognized the need to update his skills and knowledge. Enrolling in a Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, he faced initial challenges but persevered, drawing inspiration from his past experiences.
“The AIML brochure fueled my eagerness to learn,” Mahendra shared. He also emphasized, “When you are passionate about something, you excel at it naturally.”
The Power of Mentorship and Support
In the early days of the PGP-AIML program, Mahendra lost the concept of ‘easy.’ He had been out of active programming for over 40 years and away from university studies for over 60 years. Mahendra struggled to keep up with the demanding curriculum, mainly working with complex AI algorithms, coding requirements, and statistical models.
“Those first few weeks were overwhelming. I thought about quitting several times,” Mahendra admits.
According to Mahendra, one key factor that helped him stay in the program was his exceptional support from his Program Manager and faculty members. Understanding that Mahendra was returning to studies after a long hiatus, the program team tailored their approach, offering personalized support that enabled him to grasp complex concepts at his own pace.
He also stated, “The patience and guidance of the faculty made all the difference. Without their support, I would not have completed the program,”
Mahendra’s Program Manager played a critical role in ensuring he stayed motivated. They ensured that all his questions were answered and assisted him in walking through the world of AI. He credits this individualized attention as a primary reason he successfully completed the program despite the steep learning curve.
Mastering AIML with Real-World Projects: A New Chapter
Completing the program was a significant milestone for Mahendra, who found the hands-on AI projects particularly rewarding. He often worked up to 100 hours a week, tackling real-world challenges like predicting customer behavior for banks and optimizing restaurant delivery timings. One project involved building a plant classification model for agriculture, while another focused on handling customer feedback efficiently. Now, Mahendra is exploring ways to integrate AI into his 48-year-old IT consulting firm. Inspired by his health journey, he’s also considering an AI-driven model to help manage diabetes and heart disease.
“AI can truly help people lead healthier lives,” he says.
The Next Chapter: Leveraging AIML for Social Good
With a strong understanding of AIML, Mahendra is determined to use his skills for societal betterment. He’s generating ideas for AI-driven projects to automate healthcare services for underserved communities, believing, ‘The joy and mental satisfaction I receive from helping others cannot be overstated.’
A significant focus for Mahendra is supporting orphaned children in India. For the past 15 years, he has helped around 4,000 children, especially orphans and handicapped girls, access education. He has also collaborated with the village head to improve infrastructure, building a drainage system that prevents flooding during heavy rains.
Mahendra offers free college tuition to those from middle-class and lower-income families to empower girls. What began with eight students has now expanded to 50. He envisions using Machine Learning better to understand these children’s educational and emotional needs, stating, “I want to use AI to give back. The possibilities for helping others are limitless, and this is just the beginning.”
The Courage to Evolve: A Journey of Endless Learning and Growth
“I’ve always believed that the more you give, the more you receive in return—not in material wealth, but in true satisfaction and fulfillment.” This belief is at the heart of Mahendra’s journey.
His experience in the Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning showcases the transformative power of education at any age. His story inspires anyone contemplating new paths and illustrates that with determination and support, anything is achievable. For Mahendra, this program was not only an academic chase. It had become an urge to reinvent his passion for innovation.
Mahendra’s inspiring journey doesn’t end here—he has recently been featured in The Times of India for his remarkable philanthropic contributions, showcasing the true impact of his success.
Are you curious about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML)? Our Post Graduate Program offers an in-depth learning experience featuring hands-on projects and personalized mentorship. Learn more about the program here.
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Taking the first step may feel daunting, but as these success stories show, it can lead to incredible rewards.
