At 84, nuclear scientist earns MBA degree from IIM Sambalpur; plans for third PhD next

Age is just a number—and 84-year-old Dr. Girish Mohan Gupta is living proof. A retired nuclear scientist with two PhDs already under his belt, Dr. Gupta has now achieved yet another academic milestone by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur as working professional.

In a heartwarming moment during IIM Sambalpur’s annual convocation ceremony, Dr. Gupta received his MBA certificate from Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Holding his degree with pride, Dr. Gupta stood out as a symbol of lifelong learning and unyielding curiosity.

A Career Rooted in Science, Reignited by Management

Dr. Gupta is no stranger to academic and professional excellence. As a former scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), he spent decades working on cutting-edge nuclear research, contributing significantly to India's advancements in atomic science. Over the years, he completed two doctorates in different disciplines and continued to publish and mentor young researchers.

However, his quest for knowledge did not end with retirement. On learning that IIM Sambalpur offered a specialized MBA program for working professionals, Dr. Gupta enrolled in the 2023 batch, attending classes regularly at IIM’s New Delhi study center.

“I play cricket, badminton, and I don’t feel handicapped. By profession, I am a nuclear scientist and have contributed to setting up the first nuclear breeder reactor in Asia and the second in the world, including designing. I work from 10 to 6 pm every day , and physically I am fit and young,” said Gupta.

According to Gupta, his philosophy in life is that learning never stops. He was thinkingabout  what to do after PHd and it was then that he learnt that IIM Sambalpur had set up a campus in Delhi for working professionals. 

“I applied and the journey started. I was one of the students who attended maximum classes,” said Gupta, adding that he is already preparing to pursue a third PhD, this time in management.

A Youthful Spirit at 84

Despite his chronological age, Dr. Gupta considers himself young at heart. 

“I feel like a 62-year-old,” he joked. “If I dyed my hair black, people might even think I’m 50.” His vitality and passion for learning are matched by his sharp vision—he proudly claims to read even the smallest print without the help of spectacles.

His drive to keep learning is rooted in his belief that aging should never limit one’s aspirations. “Age should never be a barrier to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that this MBA will add value to my past work and future research.

A Message to All Lifelong Learners

As he sets his sights on yet another PhD, Dr. Girish Mohan Gupta is not just chasing degrees—he’s championing a mindset. His journey sends a strong message to students of all ages: keep learning, keep growing, and never let age define your limits.