Research is not simply a process of looking for information; it is a dream of knowing the unknown and discovering the unseen. With this dream, people through the ages have pushed beyond boundaries and broken down walls. The more a society is engaged in research, the higher it has risen. In our country, however, interest in and effort towards research are limited in many cases. Even so, some young dreamers are carrying the torch of research forward. Ali Ahmad of Titumir College is one of them.

Ali's main field of research is climate-smart agriculture. In his words: "I am working on a method that will increase agricultural productivity on the one hand and help reduce the negative effects of climate on the other. I believe this initiative will be not only exceptional but also timely in meeting the challenges of the 21st century."

Alongside his studies, Ali served as president of the college's research organisation, the Titumir College Research Club. Speaking about the club, the recently outgoing president said: "The main aim of the club is to increase students' interest in research and give them basic training in it." Ali, the founder of the research club, also believes newcomers get their first lessons in research there and a chance to turn their ideas into reality.

Ali's success in research has already drawn attention in various circles. His proudest chapter is a fellowship from the Swedish embassy. Being selected from among students of Bangladesh's top universities is a rare honour for Titumir College. "Only ten people from the whole of Bangladesh were chosen for this fellowship. Among master's students from DU, BUET, JnU, BUP and RUET, I was the only undergraduate, from Titumir College," Ali Ahmad said with pride.

The journey was not easy. He said he even had to take the risk of dropping the first year of his undergraduate degree. "While learning the details of research, I realised it would be a mistake to rush into exams before I was ready. So I paused and prepared myself," he said.

On his future plans, Ali Ahmad said: "I dream of doing something big for the country through research. Titumir College is my strength and my pride. My success is not just personal; it is also the college's success." He said he is now preparing to sharpen his knowledge further by studying at one of the world's leading universities.

The writer, Md Rabbi, is a student at Government Titumir College, Dhaka.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.