From a small town in Baramulla to the corridors of innovation on a national stage, my journey with technology has been nothing short of transformative. I’m Shakir Ahmad Sheikh, a student of Class 12 at Govt Higher Secondary School Kreeri, and my path into the world of innovation truly began when I joined TECHDECODE.

Before TECHDECODE, I thought data science was just another buzzword—something abstract, reserved for experts in big cities or large corporations. But everything changed once I joined the program. What I found wasn’t just a course; it was a launchpad. A community. A movement. Through hands-on learning, live mentorship, and real-world projects, I stepped into a world where my ideas began to take shape—and take flight.

One of my proudest achievements has been building innovative projects like the Apple Grading System, Local Hive (an e-commerce platform for local businesses), and an Automatic Drone Delivery System, which I'm currently developing further. These weren’t just ideas in notebooks—they became prototypes, then fully-functioning models. I got to experiment with machine learning models, work with hardware, and dive into the world of app development and automation.

My work didn’t just stay in the lab. It was recognized nationally. I was honored to be ranked among the top 10 young innovators in India, and the experience reached its peak when I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of India. That moment solidified something in me—an unshakable belief that no dream is too big, no place too small to spark innovation.

But what truly gives me purpose is what I’ve been able to give back. I now volunteer and teach students in my community, helping them understand the power of innovation and technology. Whether it's guiding them through coding, helping them build prototypes, or simply showing them what’s possible—I want every student to know they have the power to build, create, and change their world.

TECHDECODE didn’t just teach me data science—it reshaped my future. It connected me with professionals, mentors, and peers who constantly inspire me to grow. It’s the reason I now confidently work on cutting-edge drone delivery technology, envisioning smarter, more efficient solutions for the future.

My dream is to become a Data Scientist Engineer, specializing in areas like drone automation, machine learning, and AI-driven innovation. But more than that, I want to be a bridge—between what’s possible and what’s accessible. Between talent and opportunity. Between learning and impact.

Because if my journey has taught me anything, it’s this: Innovation doesn't need a big city, a fancy lab, or a privileged background. It just needs curiosity, commitment, and the right platform. And for me, that platform was TECHDECODE.