Parameswara Kurup Madhavan Nair

What does it mean to chase your dreams at 77? For Parameswara Kurup Madhavan Nair, it means defying expectations, embracing lifelong learning, and earning his Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) from the Engineering Institute of Technology, all while continuing to work full-time in Bahrain.

In a world that often celebrates youth as a prerequisite for ambition, Parameswara Kurup Madhavan Nair’s story stands as a powerful counter-narrative: it is never too late to learn, grow, and pursue dreams that once felt out of reach.

At 77 years old, Parameswara is the Engineering Institute of Technology’s (EIT) oldest student, completing his Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) in 2025.

Born into a farming family in India and now residing in Bahrain, he represents not just academic resilience, but a deep and enduring passion for engineering.

“I come from humble beginnings. Being the youngest of five siblings, I was the only one who got the chance to pursue higher education. I earned my diploma and later a bachelor’s degree, but a Master’s always remained a dream,” he shared.

Life and work took precedence for decades. Now, even as he continues working full-time, he decided “it was time to do something for myself”.

A Lifelong Dream Realized

Parameswara’s journey to higher education was not an easy one. Coming from a farming background, opportunities were scarce, but his determination to learn always burned bright.

As the youngest of five children, his academic journey began as a solitary endeavor, and although he earned his diploma and bachelor’s degree, pursuing a Master’s degree was always out of reach … until now.

“It has always been a dream,” Parameswara reflected. “I had to put it aside for family and work responsibilities over the years. But there comes a time when you realize that the only thing holding you back is yourself. I asked myself, ‘Why not now?’ and decided to take the leap.”

After decades of working in the field, he found himself eager to expand his technical expertise and to fulfill a dream he had long kept on the backburner.

Now, in his seventies, he is completing his Master’s degree and proving that age is no barrier to education.

The Challenge of Balancing Work, Study, and Life

As a mature-age student, Parameswara faces challenges that younger learners do not.

Balancing a full-time job with postgraduate study is demanding at any stage of life, but the added pressures of age require meticulous planning and self-discipline. His schedule is tightly packed, and finding time for everything has been the biggest challenge.

“Managing time has been my greatest struggle. I work full-time, study, and still need to find time to rest and recharge,” he admitted. “The learning formats and the use of digital tools were also new to me, and adapting to that took some time.”

Despite these challenges, he stays committed to his goals by sticking to a structured routine.

“I plan my day meticulously. In the evenings and on weekends, I dedicate myself to study. I have learned to set realistic goals and stick to them.”

The flexibility of EIT’s online programs has been crucial, allowing him to balance his professional life and personal commitments while continuing his education.

The convenience of digital lectures and study materials means that he can learn on his terms, without sacrificing his work or other responsibilities.

The Value of Experience in the Classroom

Though Madhavan is the oldest student in his program, his wealth of practical experience has earned him respect among his peers and instructors.

He has decades of engineering experience, which he brings into his studies. This hands-on knowledge sometimes allows him to view problems from a different perspective than his younger counterparts.

“The experience I bring with me has given me a unique lens through which to approach engineering problems,” he said. “I’ve worked on a variety of projects and seen many challenges firsthand. That experience helps me relate to the theories we’re learning and see their practical applications.”

His classmates and instructors value these insights, often finding them helpful in understanding complex engineering concepts.

While many students in the program may approach the material with a more theoretical mindset, Parameswara’s practical knowledge of real-world systems and challenges offers a fresh perspective, making him an invaluable asset to the class discussions.

“It’s a privilege to be able to contribute. While I may be older, the respect I receive has been humbling, and I’ve learned just as much from my peers as they have from me.”

Lifelong Learning: A Journey, not a Destination

For Parameswara, education is not just about earning a degree. It is a philosophy, a lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth.

He believes that as long as we are learning, we are growing. This mindset has kept him motivated and passionate about his work, even after decades in the field.

“Every problem in engineering is a new challenge. I’m excited to tackle new issues and learn more every day. Engineering is an ever-evolving field, and I want to stay current. I want to continue contributing to meaningful projects and be as effective as I can in my work.”

This commitment to lifelong learning is not just about staying relevant in his profession, but about keeping his curiosity alive and enriching his understanding of the world. For Parameswara, it is about continuously improving himself, regardless of age.

“Learning doesn’t stop when you get older. You might change your approach, but the desire to keep learning and growing should never stop.”

Advice for Aspiring Lifelong Learners

Parameswara’s story is an inspiring reminder that age should never be a barrier to pursuing education. His message to anyone thinking about going back to school, no matter their age, is simple: don’t let age limit your potential.

“Age is just a number. If you have the will, you’ll find the way. “If you’ve always wanted to learn something new, don’t wait. The best time to start is now. Learning keeps the mind fresh and young.”

He also emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations. “Plan ahead, but be flexible. If you’re realistic about your goals and communicate openly with your family and colleagues, you can make it work.”

His advice resonates with anyone who has ever thought they were too old to start something new, especially in an age where lifelong learning is more accessible than ever before.

Continuing to Grow: The Future Ahead

As Parameswara nears the completion of his Master’s degree, his goals are clear: he hopes to continue contributing to meaningful engineering projects and guide younger professionals in the field.  His focus now is on sharing his knowledge and experiences, helping others navigate their own engineering journeys.

“Lifelong learning, to me, means keeping the spirit of inquiry alive. As long as we’re learning, we’re growing. The more I know, the more I realize how much there still is to learn.”

For Parameswara, this is only the beginning. With his Master’s degree nearing completion, he remains as passionate as ever about the future of engineering.

The degree will undoubtedly open new doors for him, but he is most excited about using it to continue making a positive impact on the world and supporting the next generation of engineers.

Parameswara’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of lifelong learning. Whether you are starting out in your career or well into your life’s journey, his experience shows that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and continue growing.

And with programs like EIT’s flexible, online Master’s degrees, education can be adapted to meet your needs, no matter where you are in life.