Chennai:Even at the age of 83, Nandakumar Menon is still studying. Keeping his age out of the syllabus, Nandakumar, a native of Ernakulam, is now a B.S. student learning Artificial Intelligence and data science at IIT, Chennai. Nandakumar Menon will be 87 years old by the time he finishes this four-and-a-half-year B.S. course.

Seeing Menon's eagerness to learn and age-defying agility, the IIT authorities have exempted the course fee of more than Rs. 6 lakhs. 

In 1966, Menon graduated in mechanical engineering from Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College and, with a scholarship, completed his post-graduation in cryogenic engineering in the United States. But later, he was confined to teaching and his consultancy firm in the country.

It was his son Sethu, a lawyer, who brought Nandakumar back to the world of learning.

When Sethu was applying online to study data science, Nandakumar joined him and even scored higher marks than his son in the entrance test. 

"I am a father who has become a student for my son. The entrance exam was held at TCS in Aluva. As an elderly person, I was stopped by the security guard, who said that parents are not allowed to enter the examination hall. Later, they apologised and let me through when I showed my hall ticket,” said Menon.

He starts studying at 4.30 am every day. By then, his wife, Nirmala, will come with tea. After breakfast, he finishes the work in his own organisation. Later, he studies until 10:30 pm. 

“Due to old age, it is hard to memorise things. I have hand tremors. But I am determined to achieve the goal," shared Menon. 

His daughter, Sindhu, also supports him in his studies.