For most parents, watching their child graduate is a proud moment. For 45-year-old Jigisha Tailor, it became even more special, because she walked onto the convocation stage to receive her own degree alongside her 21-year-old son, Aditya Kapadia, at IIT Madras. Their inspiring story is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn, dream, or start over. (Image: IIT Madras)

Aditya enrolled in IIT Madras’ online BS in Data Science and Applications programme in 2021. Like many students at the time, the COVID-19 pandemic had pushed learning online, and his interest in data science and artificial intelligence led him to choose the course. As Jigisha watched her son attend lectures and complete assignments, she found herself drawn back to academics. Encouraged by Aditya, she enrolled in the same programme in 2022, returning to student life after a long break. (Image: AI-generated)

Before becoming an IIT Madras student, Jigisha had spent 16 years teaching electronics at an engineering college in Bharuch, Gujarat. She stepped away from her career in 2019 to focus on family responsibilities. Returning to studies wasn’t easy. After years away from textbooks, she had to brush up on mathematics and statistics while balancing household duties. To make time for both, she woke up at 4:30 every morning to study before beginning her daily chores. (Image: AI-generated)

What began as a son’s encouragement soon turned into a unique partnership. The two discussed assignments, helped each other prepare for exams and even developed a friendly rivalry over grades. Aditya guided his mother through online exams and viva sessions, while Jigisha pushed herself to match his academic performance. Their shared journey brought them closer than ever. (Image: AI-generated)

Not everyone understood Jigisha’s decision to study at 45. Speaking to The Indian Express, she recalled that some relatives questioned why she wanted to return to college at this stage in life. But her family stood firmly behind her. Her husband encouraged her through difficult phases, while other family members supported her throughout the programme. Although they had enrolled at different times and completed different qualifications, neither expected to graduate together. (Image: AI-generated)

At the IIT Madras convocation, a classmate shared their story with the organisers, who arranged for the mother and son to be called to the stage together. Jigisha received her diploma, while Aditya collected his BS degree, creating one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony. Jigisha Tailor’s story is about much more than earning an IIT qualification. It is a powerful reminder that education has no age limit and that learning can begin again at any stage of life. (Image: AI-generated)