Hello Ms Shalini. I have been reading your columns. I am 52, an HR professional, divorced in 2022, after 26 years of marriage. My kids are grown up and settled abroad. Now I'm alone, and honestly, I feel like I have missed out on life. I want to experience love again, but I dont know where and how to begin. Honestly, i dont want to sound or look desperate and call for attention. A female friend told me to get on an app. It's awkward to create a profile for a date. I am not looking for a fling. I don't want desperate men either. I want good companionship. Where do I begin?

Ans: Hello dear
Shifting to UMIT Mumbai now would make sense if cost, proximity, and comfort in a familiar cultural environment are priorities, as it could help her settle faster and focus on academics. However, SRMIST KTR offers a larger campus, a broader peer network, and more national exposure, which can be beneficial long-term, especially in AI & ML. If she can adapt with some support, staying at SRMIST for continuity might be better; otherwise, an early move to UMIT is preferable to avoid disrupting her academics later.
The final decision will be yours.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Prefer CSE @ IIIT Nagpur if possible.

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Radheshyam

Ans: AISSMS College of Engineering Pune (AIML) and Dr. DY Patil Institute of Technology Pimpri Pune (AI & DS) both offer emerging, in-demand programs with distinct advantages. AISSMS COE, established in 1992 and affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, launched its AIML department in 2024, emphasizing strong foundational computer science integrated with advanced AI and ML topics. It boasts experienced faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a modern lab environment with industry collaboration. With over 90% placement rates, companies like Hexaware, Honeywell, HP, and IBM regularly recruit here. The infrastructure supports hands-on learning, and the college has a vibrant academic ecosystem with research programs and symposia. DY Patil Institute of Technology, founded in 1998 and also affiliated with SPPU, has a well-established AI & Data Science department since 2020, rapidly expanding its student intake. It holds an ‘A++’ NAAC accreditation with a high CGPA and NBA-accredited UG programs, underlining quality academic standards. DY Patil’s curriculum is industry-aligned with advanced computing facilities and partnerships for AWS-sponsored labs, value-added courses, and technical clubs. Placement figures show a strong industry presence with major recruiters like Google, Siemens, TCS, and Cognizant. DY Patil ranks within top NIRF engineering institutions, emphasizing holistic student development with cultural and professional clubs. Both have excellent credentials, but AISSMS has a longer legacy in engineering education with a more mature AIML setup, whereas DY Patil offers broader AI & DS specialization and strong accreditation. Considering faculty experience, infrastructure, placement breadth, academic reputation, and industry ties, the AIML program at AISSMS College of Engineering stands out for students prioritizing a blend of traditional engineering excellence infused with cutting-edge AI/ML education and high placement rates.

The recommendation is to prefer AISSMS College of Engineering Pune for AIML due to its established legacy, robust faculty, comprehensive infrastructure, strong placement record exceeding 90%, and integrated academic-industry ecosystem, which collectively provide a balanced, forward-looking education vital for thriving in AI and machine learning careers. DY Patil is an excellent alternative with strengths in AI & DS but still evolving its newer streams comparatively. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hello dear
If you do not have a specific bias towards any branch, then consider AI-ML @ Walchand Sangli. However, since you have allocated yourself to Cummins, consider the hostel facilities, ease of communication from your hometown to Pune or Sangli, and other factors before making the final decision, especially as a female candidate. Sometimes, our suggestions do not translate well into reality. Be practical from all perspectives and parameters.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
B. A B.Sc. in Biochemistry (Hons) in India offers opportunities in research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics, and food industries, with roles in R&D, quality control, and clinical labs. Graduates can pursue higher studies like M.Sc., M.Tech., or an integrated Ph.D. for better career growth, or enter related fields such as bioinformatics and biomedical sciences... and many more. The scope of each branch changes with technological advancements. What will happen in four years is uncertain. These are application-oriented courses. Therefore, one must stay updated with the evolving field.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
B.Stat @ ISI will be the best choice for prestige, career prospects, and future opportunities. The final decision will be yours.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Prefer BITS Pilani for better brand value and broader career opportunities.

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Radheshyam

Ans: KJ Somaiya College, Mumbai, offers a well-established B.Tech Computer Science program with NAAC accreditation, strong faculty credentials, and a research-driven curriculum equipped with experiential labs and minor/honors specializations in areas like Data Science, IoT, and Cybersecurity. The campus maintains a vibrant innovation culture with an active incubation center. Placement rates for CSE have consistently been around 80–90% for the last three years, with participation from top companies such as Microsoft, Google, JP Morgan, and Infosys. Infrastructure includes ample labs and contemporary classrooms, with student reviews indicating high academic satisfaction and good campus facilities. In comparison, VIT Pune’s B.Tech in Computer Science with AI & Data Science specialization is highly rated for its industry integration, practical curriculum, and focus on emerging technologies like machine learning and big data analytics. VIT Pune has also achieved consistent placement rates between 80–86% in recent years, attracting companies such as Nvidia, Amazon, Barclays, and Siemens. Faculty expertise, modern laboratories, and strong industry linkages provide students with competitive exposure to current tech fields. Reviews favor both colleges for academics, placements, and infrastructure, but VIT Pune’s AI DS specialization offers targeted skill development in high-growth areas along with similar placement rates.

Recommendation: Choose VIT Pune B.Tech in Computer Science (AI & DS) for focused training in AI and Data Science, strong placement records, and future readiness in emerging tech domains. Prefer KJ Somaiya Mumbai CSE if prioritizing a broad curriculum, Mumbai’s location advantages, and established academic quality; both are excellent, but for AI/DS specialization, VIT Pune holds a distinct edge. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: IIM IPM is done after 12th and is a 5 year course leading to MBA. The placements will depend on the reputation of the MBA college as the placements are along with the MBA students. It would therefore be better than average MBA college. To get into the college you would have to start preparing in your 11th or 12th std.