FROM HUMBLE ROOTS TO GLOBAL HEIGHTS: THE LIFE JOURNEY OF SHIVENDRA PRATAP SINGH

Shivendra Pratap Singh was born in the small, remote village of Milki, Bihar. Nestled among lush green fields and rolling hills, the village was a picturesque place but lacked basic amenities like proper schools and healthcare. Shivendra’s family, like most in the area, depended on agriculture and a small business for their livelihood. Despite the hardships they faced, his parents placed great importance on education and hard work. Every day, Shivendra walked to the local government school, determined to learn, even though the school was a single room building with few resources.

Although the conditions were difficult, Shivendra was a bright and determined student. He often studied by the dim light of a kerosene lamp and walked several kilometers daily to attend school. His grandfather, recognizing his potential, encouraged him to continue his education and pursue his dreams. Motivated by this support, Shivendra and his family moved to the town of Jamshedpur in search of better educational opportunities. There, he enrolled at Shiksha Niketan, a CBSE school in Telco.

Transitioning to town life and a new educational system was not easy. Shivendra, who had previously studied in a Hindi-medium school, now had to adapt to an English-medium curriculum. Initially, he struggled, particularly with English, and his teachers and peers often doubted his abilities. But Shivendra didn’t give up. He worked tirelessly to improve his academic performance. Over time, his resilience paid off as he completed his matriculation with first-class honors, proving both to himself and others that he was capable of great achievements.

After high school, Shivendra decided to pursue a diploma in engineering at the Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) in Jamshedpur. Throughout his studies, he excelled in both theory and practical work, earning high grades and gaining recognition for his dedication. Upon graduating with honors, Shivendra was ready to take the next step in his academic journey.

However, his path was soon disrupted by a tragic loss—his father passed away just as he was completing his diploma. This devastating event forced Shivendra to put his education on hold and focus on supporting his family. A few months later, he received a job offer from Tata Motors, which he accepted to help stabilize the family’s finances. Despite the demands of his job, Shivendra remained committed to his dream of higher education. He studied diligently for the Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) while working, and his efforts paid off when he secured admission to the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) in Berhampur, Odisha, in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering.

At NIST, Shivendra’s passion for learning and his excellent academic performance earned him a position as a Research Assistant under the guidance of Dr. Sandipan Mallik. Shivendra’s research in semiconductor technology led to several publications and presentations at various conferences. His hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2020, he received a prestigious research fellowship from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Jorhat, Assam. Additionally, in 2019, he was awarded a summer internship at the Berhampur Municipal Corporation, where he worked on the Smart City Development Program under the guidance of District Magistrate Vijay Amruta Kulange (IAS) and Commissioner Chakravarti Singh Rathore (IAS). His project was recognized with the Best Intern Award.

Shivendra’s accomplishments continued to grow. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he received a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in Nanoengineering and Microsystems at the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan. Under the mentorship of Professor Cheng Yao Lo, Shivendra excelled in his studies, ranking among the top five students in his department. His exceptional academic performance earned him the “Gold Award” at the CMMT International Summer Competition. Shivendra also published several research papers and participated in international conferences, further establishing himself as a promising researcher.

Today, Shivendra works as a Research and Development Engineer at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading semiconductor foundry. In this role, he has made significant contributions to the design of probe cards for cutting-edge semiconductor projects. His innovation and work ethic have earned him the respect of his colleagues and superiors, making him a key player in the company’s technological advancements.

Despite his success abroad, Shivendra has never forgotten his roots. He is actively planning to establish a foundation to support education in his village by providing scholarships, building schools, and improving educational resources. Through his efforts, Shivendra has transformed his village, giving children opportunities he once longed for. He also mentors several students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.

Shivendra’s journey from a small village in Bihar to global success has been an inspiration to many. His story has been featured in prestigious publications, and he has been invited to speak at international conferences. In recognition of his achievements, Shivendra was offered a position on the Board of NIST. His life’s work and commitment to education continue to inspire individuals around the world.

Shivendra Pratap Singh’s story is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big, no matter where you start. From a small village to an international career in semiconductors, his journey embodies the triumph of perseverance, the importance of education, and the profound impact of giving back to one’s community. His legacy continues to inspire others, proving that with grit and determination, anything is possible.