Bridging borders with technology
Jain’s PhD journey - from India to Namibia
Coming all the way from India, Arpit Jain, the Centre Head of the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT) at NUST, found himself in Africa. A land he had not imagined calling home, but one that has now sparked his curiosity and ambition like never before. With a few days away from obtaining that coveted “Dr” title, Jain is proud to have pursued a PhD in Computer Science at NUST. He shares his journey of grit, cultural exchange, and a relentless drive to shape the future of technology.
Seizing Opportunities
Jain’s adventure began with an unexpected opportunity when he was transferred to Namibia from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) under India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Tasked with establishing INCEIT, he found himself moving to a place where the desert meets the ocean and ancient cultures thrive. “I have always been fascinated by the unknown,” Jain reflects, “and this move was the perfect combination of adventure and purpose.”
Upon arriving, he was captivated by Namibia’s stunning landscapes and unique culture. Yet, it was not just the land that would shape his journey; it was an encounter with Professor Dharm Singh Jat, a seasoned researcher in the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at NUST. Jain recounts their first meeting as pivotal: “Prof Jat spoke not only as a scholar but as a mentor. He urged me to consider pursuing a PhD, saying the world needs innovative minds like mine to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Turning research into knowledge
Inspired, Jain embarked on a research journey focusing on Secure Edge Computing, which would ultimately lead him to publish numerous research papers. He earned recognition at the Super Computing Conference in Dallas, Texas, by IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organisation dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. But his path was not without its challenges. Balancing his PhD work with his role at CDAC, which involved leading the India-Namibia project, was a demanding task. “Many weekends were spent with my laptop,” he laughs. “It was not easy, but every sleepless night brought me closer to my goal.”
His dissertation topic is titled: Design and Implementation of Blockchain-based Secure Edge Computing Paradigm for Time Constraint Healthcare Applications. “What excites me most about the research work is how it addresses critical challenges in both cloud and edge computing, especially in the context of time-sensitive applications,” he says.
Internationalisation
Beyond his academic achievements, Jain’s story is also one of a rich cultural exchange. He cherishes the opportunity to bridge two nations through technology, dedicating his PhD to the enduring relationship between India and Namibia. “I am grateful for this chance to contribute to both countries,” he says, “and I hope to foster even more collaboration between our nations.” Jain also acknowledges the role his family played in his success, especially his parents, who instilled in him the values of hard work and persistence. “Without their encouragement, none of this would have been possible,” he reflects with gratitude. His wife and eight-year-old daughter, Amaira, have also been pillars of support throughout his journey.
