From Coal Dust to Code

This is the first episode of my personal journey series — "From Coal Dust to Code" — where I share how a small-town kid from India ended up working on cutting-edge AI projects, starting from dusty classrooms to rural tech labs. It’s a story of language, identity, and unexpected ambition.

I come from the vibrant land of Uttar Pradesh, the northern heart of India — but my story doesn’t begin there. I was born in Chhattisgarh, in a small town called Chirmiri, where my maternal grandparents lived. My nanu was a respected officer in the coal mines, and our family was closely tied to that world — a place where life revolved around the mines, black dust, hard hats, and the strong bonds of working-class families.

But destiny had other plans. Soon after I was born, my parents moved to Maharashtra, where my father worked in the textile industry. This move, though practical at the time, would shape my identity in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Growing up in Maharashtra was a unique experience. I was surrounded by the sounds of Marathi, while at home we spoke Hindi and occasionally Bhojpuri — the earthy, emotional language of my roots. I didn’t realize it back then, but being immersed in three languages from such a young age gave me a rare gift — the ability to feel words, not just understand them.

I remember being a little kid who loved to show off my language skills. I'd switch between Marathi with my neighbors, Bhojpuri with my grandparents, and Hindi at school. I felt proud — like I had secret powers no one else had. Of course, it was just playful childhood pride, but that multilingual exposure shaped the way I communicate even today.

Those early days were filled with joy. Simple things like mangoes in the summer, playing cricket in narrow lanes, or watching regional TV shows created a beautiful tapestry of cultures in my young mind. Life felt vibrant — like a festival that never ended.

But not everything was rosy. I was a pretty average student back then. I didn’t stand out in class, and teachers didn’t expect much from me. I think that worked in my favor — I was never under pressure to be the best, and that gave me space to breathe, to explore.

And then came the turning point — my 10th board exams.

The entire atmosphere at home and school changed. Suddenly, everyone was serious. Expectations grew. I could feel the pressure even in the air — as if every wall was whispering, “This is your future, don’t mess it up.”

And yet, something clicked in me. Maybe it was the desire to prove something — not to others, but to myself. I started studying more seriously, managing my time better, and slowly — page by page, subject by subject — I began to see progress. For the first time, I felt in control of my own destiny.

That year, I scored better than anyone expected — and way better than I ever had. It wasn’t about the marks. It was about the transformation. I realized that even someone from an average background, who once barely paid attention in class, could rise and evolve.

That was the beginning of a new chapter in my life — not just in academics, but in mindset. I started believing that maybe, just maybe, I was meant for something bigger.

In the next episode, I’ll share how my college journey unfolded — how I chose my path, faced challenges, and discovered new layers of who I really am.

This is just the start.

From the dusty lanes of small-town India to the digital world I work in today, my story is not just mine — it's the story of thousands like me.