In the vibrant town of Bhopal, young Neelesh was a curious child with an insatiable thirst for experimentation. Often found near his self-proclaimed "junkyard lab," he would immerse himself in creating "his childish inventions" from household items (such as Ant poison, Spring legged spider robo, movie projector, electric toy car, electronic lock, and so on). His imagination soared with constructive and destructive ideas and the mysteries surrounding him. Opening (destroying!) wrist watches to building toys to pluck mangoes. This early fascination with science/engineering was further nurtured during his school days, when he participated in science model competitions. At home, Neelesh's curiosity led him to experiment with insects, observing their behaviors and trying to understand their tiny worlds. He would often destroy their homes with small "fire cracker" and pretend he was in his spaceship lab by scanning his hand before entering his home. His love for understanding how things work drove him to build toy robots using kits and household items, proudly showcasing his creations to his supportive family. Despite his scientific interests, Neelesh enjoyed a balanced childhood, spending time outdoors with friends and playing cricket and hockey. This blend of curiosity, creativity, and playfulness laid the foundation for his future adventures in computational biology.

As an undergraduate at IISER Pune, Neelesh's fascination with science deepened, particularly in computational biology. In lectures, he was always interested in how algorithms could solve complex biological problems. Inspired by his professors and his passion for programming, Neelesh studied applied maths and physics, followed by a year-long research project in computational biology. Surrounded by friends from diverse backgrounds and equipped with his first laptop, he self-learned programming and data analysis. His academic journey included attending national conferences, where he presented his early research. A notable experience was his participation in the Asian Science Camp in Japan as a delegate of the Indian team. Despite his rigorous academic schedule, Neelesh made time for social activities, enjoying fun moments with friends at campus cafes and taking memorable trips with his family. This period of his life was a blend of intense learning, meaningful relationships, and exciting discoveries, setting the stage for his future endeavors in computational biology.

Neelesh continued with an opportunity to work on his Master’s thesis at the Bioinformatics Institute in Singapore. This phase was marked by significant learning and personal growth. Under the guidance of Dr. M. S. Madhusudhan, Neelesh learned to combine computational methods with biological data. He gained hands-on experience with compute clusters, which was crucial for his research. Life in Singapore came with challenges, including a tight budget and the need to learn how to cook his meals. Despite the financial strain, Neelesh found joy in small victories, like successfully making his favorite dishes. He also formed close friendships with colleagues and fellow students, making his stay more enjoyable. Outside the lab, Neelesh explored the vibrant city of Singapore, visiting various cultural and recreational spots. These outings provided a much-needed break from his demanding research schedule and enriched his overall experience. The skills and relationships he developed during his Singapore sojourn played a crucial role in shaping his future endeavors in computational biology.

Returning to IISER Pune for his Ph.D., Neelesh focused on integrative modeling and machine learning. This phase involved collaborating with a diverse team of researchers. He often grappled with complex data sets, but he developed tools to understand biological puzzles. During his Ph.D., Neelesh met his future wife, who became his steadfast partner through life's ups and downs. He was faced with various challenges and the typical stresses of life but found strength in the support of his loved ones. He attended conferences in Paris and Singapore, presenting his findings on protein structure analysis and gaining insights from global experts. His Ph.D. advisor, Dr. M. S. Madhusudhan, provided crucial guidance and encouragement. Despite the demands of his Ph.D. work, Neelesh balanced it with social activities. He enjoyed trips with friends and family, exploring new places, and making lasting memories. Coffee breaks with friends at campus cafes offered a welcome respite from his work, filled with laughter and camaraderie.

After successfully defending his Ph.D. at IISER Pune, Neelesh embarked on a new chapter of his life. Shortly after his defense, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, altering plans worldwide. Neelesh and his partner adapted to these challenging times, having a small, intimate wedding amidst the pandemic's constraints. During the pandemic, Neelesh continued his work as a postdoctoral researcher in the same lab under Dr. M. S. Madhusudhan. Despite the global disruptions, "computational work" remained productive, developing important computational tools to advance his field of research. The quiet of the lockdown allowed him to focus intensely on his research, yielding significant progress. While the pandemic limited social interactions, virtual gatherings provide respite in maintaining connections with friends and family. This period, marked by global upheaval, was also a time of personal and professional growth. The support of his loved ones and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to his field made these challenging times a significant and rewarding phase of his journey.

Neelesh's next step took him to UCSF, where he joined Dr. Andrej Sali’s lab as a postdoctoral scholar. This role fit well with his interests, involving challenging problems in protein structure analysis using integrative modeling. Working with skilled collaborators, Neelesh tackled complex projects, successfully solving several protein structure related projects. His efforts led to successful publication of his work. Neelesh enjoyed playing ping pong and chess and exploring San Francisco in his free time with his partner and friends. They visited well-known landmarks, tried different local foods, and experienced the city's culture. These outings provided a nice balance to his demanding work. Neelesh’s time at UCSF is marked by steady progress in his professional work and enjoyable personal experiences, setting a solid foundation for his future in computational biology.