My faith in Ahmedabad University Outweighed my Fear

From losing his father in infancy to growing up in a family of a widowed mother and five children struggling to survive, the youngest son held on to the hope of education. Guided by his high school teacher, who told him that Ahmedabad University was the right place to build his future, he chose to follow that path. What followed was years of relentless effort.

This is the story of our alumnus, Yogesh Gabani, who, despite coming from a humble background and studying in a Gujarati-medium school, went on to become a BBA graduate of the first batch of Ahmedabad University. Today, he works as an Associate Operations Manager at the Hyderabad-based organisation FactSet, and, in the process, has transformed not only his own life but that of his entire family.

What made this transformation possible? During his recent visit to the University, Yogesh shared that Ahmedabad University has always held deep emotional significance for him, unlike any other institution he studied at. He believes the University fundamentally shaped him, including academically, professionally, and personally. When asked why, he traced it back to its origins.

Upon losing his father, his eldest sister, in the eighth standard, began working on construction sites to support the family, while his mother cooked meals for daily-wage labourers. When his eldest sister got married, the responsibility passed to the next sister, who ensured that the younger siblings, including Yogesh, could continue their education. This continued until his brother, despite scoring well in Class 10, had to drop out because the family could afford to educate only one child. Yogesh was then in the sixth standard, and the future felt uncertain. Determined to give him a chance, his brother took up diamond polishing so that at least Yogesh could study.

"I remember my mother handing me what little she had. A few hours later, I was on a train to Ahmedabad, managing food and travel with limited means and paying the rest as an application fee. My journey at Ahmedabad University began with many small hurdles. Still, my faith in the institution outweighed my fear of not fitting in as a small-town student navigating an unfamiliar urban world," said Yogesh. His faith was further strengthened by the scholarship and mentorship he received from the faculty.

After paying the first instalment of his fees, Yogesh focused on securing financial aid. He approached the University Director and the AES authorities, undergoing a series of interviews where he committed to academic excellence and future professional contributions. Consequently, his entire tuition for all trimesters was waived. In addition to this full waiver, he received monthly stipends and comprehensive support for housing, meals, and transportation, making the assistance even more substantial than a standard full scholarship.

Throughout his time at the University, including during vacations, he worked with unwavering discipline. "My days typically began at 6:00 a.m. and often ended near midnight," he recalls. "Under the mentorship of my professors, particularly Professor Chirag Trivedi, I focused intensely on communication, self-improvement, and personal discipline. I spent long hours in the library, practiced spoken English using the mirror method, and constantly pushed myself beyond my comfort zone."

"A breakthrough classroom presentation during this period became a definitive turning point, significantly boosting both my confidence and my academic standing. That moment was transformative; it became my launchpad. Just as a successful space mission depends on a robust launch platform, success in life requires a defining moment that sets everything in motion. For me, that presentation was the foundation upon which my future was built," said Yogesh.

"Once known for my shyness, I found that people began approaching me, recognising me for my merit. The skills I cultivated then are those I have carried forward throughout my career. They remain the very traits for which I am known in my professional life today," added Yogesh.

Though no longer a student, Yogesh maintains deep connections with the University's faculty. Driven by a desire to give back, he aspires to elevate the University's profile by facilitating stronger industry ties through his talent networks, ensuring the next generation is fully equipped to navigate the global corporate landscape.