The impact of a teacher is rarely measured in lectures given or syllabi covered. It is found in the quiet moments when a hesitant student finds their voice, when curiosity replaces doubt, and when learning becomes a bridge to something greater. Beyond equations and theories, true education nurtures resilience, empathy, and the courage to challenge what seems unchangeable. Some educators step beyond the walls of a classroom, weaving knowledge with purpose, ensuring that even those in the most overlooked corners of society feel seen, heard, and empowered. Their work doesn’t just change individual lives—it ripples outward, shaping the future in ways that can’t always be quantified but are deeply felt.
Dr. Anjum Nazir Qureshi, Assistant Professor of Electronics & Communication Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering Research & Technology, embodies this transformative spirit of education. Drawn to engineering from a young age, she recognized early on the profound impact that technological advancements have on society. While the vast landscape of engineering presented numerous paths, it was the power of electronics and communication to bridge distances, connect people, and drive progress that ultimately shaped her journey.
During her time as an engineering student, she was among a minority of women in the field. However, with support from her parents, she was able to overcome societal stereotypes and successfully complete her studies. Upon graduation, securing a career in electronics and communication engineering in her hometown proved challenging, leading her to pursue a teaching position at an engineering college. The early days as a lecturer were not without difficulties, particularly due to the limited presence of women in the profession. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to her passion for engineering education and has since built a distinguished career in academia.
Dr. Anjum firmly believes in the power of manifestation—envisioning a goal, taking action, and trusting that everything aligns to support the journey. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, affirming that with determination, anything is possible. To effectively balance her roles as an academician, life coach, motivational speaker, and meditation trainer, she follows a structured approach. By creating a clear plan, setting priorities, and maintaining focus, she ensures that she can successfully manage and integrate her diverse responsibilities.
Dr. Anjum’s research journey has been marked by significant achievements, including publishing over 20 research papers and holding four patents. A standout moment in her career was being recognized among the Top 20 Influential Researchers in Indian Higher Education for 2021, a milestone she achieved after securing her first patent. This recognition, along with accolades such as the Young Scientist Award and the Influential Researcher Award, remains a testament to her contributions to the field of research.
Her passion for personal growth and human development led her to author 10 Core Life Skills, a book that has resonated with many readers. Inspired by her daily interactions and experiences, Dr. Anjum believes that before anything else, one must strive to be a good human being. She wrote the book with the intent of helping individuals understand the critical role life skills play in building meaningful relationships and ensuring long-term success.
Beyond her contributions to academia and personal development, Dr. Anjum has also played a vital role in fostering innovation among students as an evaluator for major competitions such as Toycathon and the Smart India Hackathon. She actively encourages students to participate in these events, recognizing them as invaluable platforms for showcasing creativity and problem-solving abilities. She views these competitions as opportunities not only for innovation but also for self-evaluation and learning from peers. Exposure to diverse and groundbreaking ideas, she believes, inspires students to think critically about how innovation can be applied to address real-world challenges.
Dr. Anjum’s dedication to continuous growth and innovation is reflected in the numerous accolades she has received, including the Best Woman Faculty Award and recognition among the Top 50 Influential Researchers. For her, these achievements are not just certificates or trophies but symbols of an ongoing journey of learning and inspiration. She firmly believes that success should be a continuous process, where time is spent thinking, creating, and evolving rather than being preoccupied with external comparisons. These honors serve as motivation to keep pushing boundaries, striving for excellence, and inspiring others to do the same.
In her perspective, one of the most pressing challenges in Indian higher education is the lack of strong leadership. She emphasizes that the success of any institution relies heavily on its leaders, yet too often, leadership positions are occupied by individuals who lack vision, attaining their roles solely based on experience or credentials rather than true leadership ability. Dr. Anjum advocates for a transformation in the education sector, calling for leaders who foster inclusivity, acknowledge the efforts of faculty, and provide equal opportunities for all. She believes that by eliminating favoritism and embracing a culture of appreciation and fairness, the education system can truly flourish.
Her work as a life coach and meditation trainer has deeply influenced her teaching methodology and interactions with students. This experience has enhanced her ability to understand students’ emotions, interests, and learning needs. Rejecting the conventional chalk-and-talk approach, Dr. Anjum tailors her teaching methods to suit the evolving mindset of the younger generation. She encourages hands-on activities and project-based learning, ensuring that students not only gain knowledge but also enjoy the process. These techniques act as confidence boosters, enhancing communication and critical thinking skills while making learning an engaging and enriching experience.
Dr. Anjum recalls a particularly memorable experience from a life skills session she conducted for adolescent girls in a nearby village. Initially, the girls were mischievous and uninterested, unwilling to engage in the session. However, as they realized that Dr. Anjum’s approach was different from traditional lectures and was instead filled with interactive activities, their enthusiasm grew. By the end of the session, they were so engrossed that they were reluctant to leave. Many of them eagerly took photos and selfies with her, and one girl even expressed her aspiration to become a teacher like her, leaving Dr. Anjum with a deep sense of fulfillment.
Her involvement with UNICEF in two international documentary films further exemplifies her commitment to education and empowerment. These films focused on the lives of rural girls, highlighting how education enabled them to overcome adversity and societal stereotypes. As an interpreter, Dr. Anjum played a crucial role in facilitating communication between the international directors and the local community. She not only helped convey the directors’ vision but also translated and documented the stories of these girls, ensuring their voices were heard on a global platform.
Dr. Anjum strongly believes that life skills are essential in shaping the next generation. While students are constantly encouraged to build successful careers, they often lack guidance on developing ethical values and humanistic qualities. She emphasizes the need for educational institutions to integrate life skills into curricula to address this gap. She is deeply concerned about the increasing disregard for respect, patience, and empathy among today’s youth. She believes that without these fundamental values, young individuals are prone to making impulsive decisions that disrupt their own peace and the well-being of those around them.
Looking ahead, Dr. Anjum remains committed to lifelong learning, research, and making a meaningful impact. She envisions developing innovations that directly benefit people rather than merely serving as academic publications. While she continues to conduct seminars, talks, and workshops in various settings, her future aspirations are focused on empowering rural girls and women and helping them become self-reliant and independent. Through her dedication, she aims to create lasting change in both education and society.
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