Tathagat Avatar Tulsi, born on September 9, 1987, in Bihar, is an extraordinary individual whose academic achievements have defied conventional timelines. His story is a testament to brilliance, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. Tulsi’s journey began early when he completed his schooling at the tender age of 9. By 11, he had earned his BSc, and just a year later, at 12, he completed his MSc from Patna Science College. His academic prowess did not stop there. He went on to pursue a PhD at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, which he completed by the time he was just 21 years old. Despite such impressive milestones, Tulsi now faces the challenges of an uncertain future.
Tulsi’s academic focus was in the field of quantum computing. His doctoral thesis, titled Generalizations of the Quantum Search Algorithm, showcased his deep understanding of advanced computational theories. He also worked with renowned physicist Lov Grover on a research paper, “A New Algorithm for Fixed-point Quantum Search,” although it was never published. Tulsi’s academic trajectory led him to become an assistant professor at IIT Mumbai in 2010, a role that seemed to be the perfect continuation of his promising career. At just 22, he was teaching at one of India’s most prestigious institutions.
However, Tulsi’s path was not without obstacles. In 2011, he began experiencing severe health issues, which were initially thought to be a fever but were later diagnosed as a severe allergy. This health condition forced him to take a break from his teaching career. What was supposed to be a short sabbatical turned into a four-year hiatus from IIT Mumbai. Though he returned to work in 2013, his career hit another roadblock in 2019, when his employment was terminated after a prolonged medical leave. This unexpected turn of events left him without a job and, despite his remarkable credentials, struggling to find new opportunities.
Currently, Tulsi is focusing on reinventing himself by exploring new career paths, including the field of law. While his academic career at IIT may have come to an abrupt end, his resilience and passion for learning remain undiminished. Now, instead of teaching quantum algorithms, he is channeling his energy into understanding legal systems, signaling his willingness to evolve and adapt to new challenges. His journey serves as a reminder that success is not always linear, and sometimes, setbacks can open the door to new possibilities.
Tulsi’s story, although filled with early triumphs, highlights the unpredictability of life and the importance of perseverance. From a child prodigy to an IIT professor, and now an individual seeking to build a new career, his journey underscores that genius alone is not enough—one must also be prepared to navigate the ups and downs that life throws at them.
