Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya – My Journey from Darkness to Light तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय
Introduction: तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय 
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There was a time when the world of technology was a complete mystery to me. Until the age of 25, I had never even seen a PC. A laptop? That came at 40. Social media? That was an even later discovery. And yet, here I am, navigating the digital world with confidence, designing, writing, using AI, and even inspiring others to embrace technology. This is my journey from darkness to light – from not knowing to mastering, from fear to adaptability.
The Early Days – A World Without Technology
Growing up, computers were not a part of my world. Unlike today’s children who are introduced to gadgets at an early age, my education and career began in a time when technology had not yet become a necessity. In fact, during my school days, computers were completely absent from classrooms—they simply did not exist as a part of the education system.
However, my mindset has always been one of curiosity and fascination with the new. I have never been someone who enjoys routine—the unknown excites me. So, when I first met a PC at 25, I wasn’t just intimidated I was intrigued. It wasn’t just a machine; it was an entirely new way of thinking. I remember hesitating to even touch the keyboard, afraid that a single wrong move would break something, yet deep inside, a part of me knew I wanted to understand it.
My handwriting was never the best, and as a child, I would often tell my father, “One day, I will learn typing, and then I won’t need to write!” He would smile and say, “Why do you need to learn typing? Be a learner, and that will be enough.”
Yet, when I finally met a PC, I saw an opportunity—not just to reduce my handwriting but to unlock a whole new world of possibilities. This realization became another layer of motivation. People must find their own reasons to learn—for me, it started with something as simple as wanting to type instead of writing.
The Turning Point – Learning to Adapt
The real transformation didn’t come as a last resort—it was driven by my natural curiosity and desire to keep learning. The world was shifting towards digital spaces, and I realized that if I did not adapt, I would be missing something exciting. The first days were frustrating—understanding files, folders, and simple commands wanted to learn an entirely new language.
But something inside me refused to give up. I kept learning—step by step, mistake by mistake. Every struggle became a stepping stone.
From Resistance to Mastery – The Journey Through Design and Creativity
Years later, when I finally got my first laptop at 40, I had already started seeing technology as an ally rather than an enemy. By then, people had begun treating me like an expert—if someone needed help with floppy disks, PowerPoint presentations, or typing question papers, I was always there. What they didn’t realize was that while they thought they were exploiting my willingness to help, I was actually exploiting technology—mastering it, one task at a time.
At the same time, I began mixing music, exploring sound and creativity in ways I had never imagined. This curiosity and drive led me to be invited to the USA for the ILEP program, a prestigious semester-long opportunity. When asked what I would take back for my country, my answer was clear:
“India has an indigenous teaching-learning system that the world needs. I will bargain that in exchange for technology to empower my students and my nation.”
That was my vision—to integrate the best of both worlds.
From Darkness to Light – Teaching and Inspiring Others
The journey didn’t stop with me. Over the years, I realized I wasn’t just learning tech for myself—I was inspiring students, colleagues, and even strangers to embrace it too. Many of my students, who once hated computers, are now software engineers and tech professionals. Knowing that I was the one who planted those seeds is one of my greatest joys.
Final Thoughts – Embracing Change, Always
The Sanskrit mantra "Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya" means “Lead me from darkness to light.” It perfectly encapsulates my journey—one of transformation, learning, and growth.
If there’s one lesson I have learned, it is this: It is never too late to learn. The world will keep changing, and we must change with it. Keeping an open mind, being ready for challenges, and having a vision is what truly matters.
And if I, someone who had never touched a computer until 25, can now design, create, use AI, and inspire—then truly, anything is possible.
What’s Next?
This journey doesn’t end here. I continue to explore, learn, and create. From designing for Redbubble to refining content with AI and now diving into Arabic-influenced music creation on AI app, I’m excited for the next chapter.
As I move forward, I hope to inspire more people to embrace change, take on challenges, and walk their own path from darkness to light.
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