Guiding Stars
Heartfelt gratitude to the people who shaped my path in AI, Learning, and Beyond
Blimey! While writing this article, I paused for a moment to reflect on my personal achievements and learnings. As I was thinking about most, if not all, of the significant milestones in my career — from choosing a career path into the realm of Artificial Intelligence to building this platform — stands a massive constellation of remarkable individuals who’ve shaped the person I’m today. To those prominent figures in my life, this article is more than an acknowledgment; it is a small tribute to those whose support, wisdom, and belief in me have fueled my passion for technology, teaching, and open source.
Like Gaia, you ground me
At the very core of this journey is my mother, Sunita. Like Gaia, the Earth goddess who gives life to all, my Mum has been the quintessential foundation of my existence. Mum, your unwavering support and belief during my highs and lows has been the cornerstone of my ambition. Although I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with you in my early days, you taught me the value of persistence, the inevitability of hard choices in life, and the importance of embracing my past.
My mum and I, back in September of 2022, right after my admission into DePaul University at our family home in Enfield, England.
From the moments of comfort at my lowest to the greatest acts of selflessness at my peak, you have been there, guiding me through it all, keeping me grounded. I’m happy and content today with my life for the choices you helped me make. I still remember when I chose the career path to pursue Artificial Intelligence — a field vast and complex at that time — your encouragement was the anchor that kept me grounded and disciplined. All those late nights, sitting at the kitchen table with stacks of programming books, preparing for the certifications and interviews, you would bring a refreshing cup of Masala chai, reminding me not to give up but at the same time reminding the importance of sleep and rest is something I dearly miss.
Ever since Father passed, your love has been the very foundation upon which I stand, and I’m so grateful for every sacrifice you’ve made to see me grow and succeed. Mum, you are my Earth, my Gaia, and I am forever thankful for the depth of your love and the strength of your spirit.
Charlotte, my Uma
Charlotte, though you’re no longer with us, your influence is an indispensible part of who I’m today. Much like Uma’s love for Shankar, transformed him from a celibate hermit to a householder, your presence in my life catalyzed a profound change in me. You were the spark, my Uma that ignited my deeper fascination with technology. I vividly remember you helping me shed layers of self-doubt and superficiality, guiding me towards a deeper understanding of who I truly am. It was you who pushed me to question things and go beyond the surface-level understanding but to understand the mathematics and logic behind them.
It was because of you, my interest in technology grew with time, and while it was growing, you reminded me that these technologies aren’t just about algorithms and problem-solving — it is about impact. I remember how you would listen patiently as I rambled about new technologies or tools, always asking the right questions that made me think harder and dig deeper. Your encouragement pushed me to think how technology could transform lives, and more importantly, how I could share that knowledge with others. It was your faith in my ability as a teacher that made me realize the joy of sharing knowledge. You often said, “Akshay, the best way to learn is to teach.” Those words still echo in my heart every time I stand before a classroom or mentor someone. In every student I mentor, I see you and it reminds me of our last conversation…
If you loved me like a child, then live your life like a child. Walk this rock like a child. Keep moving forward through calm and storm, I’ll always be with you Akshay, but in a different form.
—Charlotte Parks
Just as Uma’s love shaped and transformed Shankar, your love shaped and transformed me, guiding me into my truest form. It was your belief in me as a teacher that planted the seed for this very platform. Your spirit lives on in every tutorial I write, every student I mentor, and every piece of knowledge I share.