“He learned early that every problem has a solution — not just in mathematics, but in life itself.”
Introduction
The life of Dr. Sanesh Sivan is a quiet but powerful illustration of how determination can transform humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements. Born on 4 March 1985 in Kerala, India, he grew up in a modest home filled with love, discipline, and resilience. His father, Sivan, was once an auto driver who later started working at a tea shop. His mother, Mony Sivan, was the steady force who managed the household, supported her husband, and guided her children through the early challenges of life. Their combined strength became the foundation upon which Sanesh would build his own journey of perseverance and purpose.
From an early age, Sanesh understood the value of work. He spent his childhood accompanying his father to the tea shop, helping where he could, and watching him interact with people. These experiences taught him lessons that no classroom could provide — humility, empathy, and respect for every kind of labor. As a young boy, he would carry lunch for his father every day before school, and that simple routine became his first act of responsibility. Life was not luxurious, but it was rich in values, and that was what truly mattered.
Education soon became his window to a wider world. At school, Sanesh discovered a deep love for mathematics. Numbers fascinated him — their precision, their balance, their hidden patterns. He found comfort in solving equations and took pride in understanding logic. It wasn’t just about getting answers right; it was about finding order in a world that often seemed unpredictable. Alongside mathematics, English became his second favorite subject, a language that allowed him to express thoughts that once stayed unspoken. He was fortunate to find a tuition teacher who not only sharpened his mathematical skills but also taught him shortcuts, methods, and ways to see logic in life’s complexities.
As he grew, so did his dreams. During his Plus 2 (higher secondary) years, Sanesh began preparing for competitive entrance exams in engineering and medicine. His ambition was to build something meaningful — a career that would allow him to use his intellect and uplift his family. But destiny, as it often does, had its own tests in store. His father fell ill, and financial constraints meant that Sanesh had to shoulder part of the responsibility at home. Even as he tried to balance studies and work, an unexpected betrayal from a friend cost him the chance to attend the entrance exam he had prepared for so earnestly. The disappointment was heavy, but it didn’t break his resolve. Instead, it redirected him toward another path — one that would eventually lead him to where he was meant to be.
Encouraged by his family, Sanesh joined a Diploma in Computer Science at the Government Polytechnic College, Perumbavoor. Those years were defined by grit and self discipline. To support his education and the household, he opened a small shop that he ran during the night after college. His father later joined him, turning it into a shared effort of survival and hope. By day, Sanesh studied the language of programming; by night, he learned the language of responsibility. Each sleepless evening became a stepping stone toward independence.
“Great lives often start in small rooms — where love, struggle, and hope share the same air.”
PHASE 1: The Humble Beginnings
The story of Dr. Sanesh Sivan begins not in grandeur but in simplicity — in a small town in Kerala, where the sound of temple bells and the aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air with a sense of belonging. He was born on 4 March 1985 to Sivan and Mony Sivan, a couple whose greatest wealth was their integrity and their willingness to work hard. Their home was modest, but it was alive with warmth, laughter, and the unspoken understanding that every day’s effort was a step toward a better tomorrow.
In those early years, the family lived together with Sanesh’s grandparents, uncles, and cousins in a joint household. It was a vibrant, crowded space where everyone contributed in their own way — some by earning, others by caring. It was here that Sanesh first learned the meaning of unity and collective strength. After a year, his parents decided to move out and establish their own home — a small but independent space where dreams could grow quietly. It was a courageous decision, given their limited means, but one that reflected their desire to build something of their own. That first move marked the beginning of Sanesh’s personal journey — a life built on courage, sacrifice, and perseverance.
His father, Sivan, had started his career as an auto driver. It was not an easy job, but he took pride in it because it was honest work. Every rupee he earned carried the mark of his sincerity. Over time, he sought more stability and began working at a local tea shop. The shop, though small, became a cornerstone of his life. There, amid the clinking of teacups and murmurs of morning customers, Sivan built a quiet reputation for discipline and reliability. He would leave home by 5 a.m. each morning and return around 9 p.m., often too tired to speak but always carrying a sense of quiet dignity. For his son, those long hours were lessons written in real life — lessons about perseverance, humility, and the pride of labor.
“He learned that success does not belong to those who have everything — it belongs to those who never stop trying, even when they have nothing.”
PHASE 2: The Young Explorer: The Awakening of Curiosity and Courage (1965–1975)
As Dr. Sanesh Sivan stepped beyond childhood, the small world of home and the tea shop began to expand. The comforting rhythm of early mornings and family warmth slowly gave way to new challenges — school examinations, responsibilities, and the first glimpse of personal ambition. Life in Kerala had always been modest, but as he grew older, Sanesh began to realize that modesty could coexist with great dreams. He understood that education would be his key — the bridge between his family’s struggles and the better life he quietly envisioned for them.
During his school years, Sanesh showed not only curiosity but also resilience. He was not born into privilege, yet he possessed something far greater — an eagerness to learn. Every book, every problem he solved, and every question he asked felt like one more step toward transformation. Mathematics continued to be his favorite subject; it spoke to him in a language that was structured, fair, and full of logic. He often said later in life that mathematics was his first teacher in patience — that no matter how difficult a problem looked, if one approached it calmly, the solution would reveal itself.
Behind every young student’s confidence stands a teacher who believed in them, and for Sanesh, it was his tuition teacher. This teacher saw in him not just talent but determination. He taught Sanesh shortcuts, tricks, and logic that made complex problems feel manageable. More importantly, he encouraged him to think — not to memorize. Those lessons extended beyond numbers; they shaped Sanesh’s perspective on life. He learned that life, much like math, has solutions hidden beneath confusion if one only looks deep enough.
Alongside this love for learning, Sanesh carried a sense of responsibility that set him apart from his peers. He was not only a student but also a son aware of his family’s sacrifices. His father, Sivan, continued to work long hours at the tea shop, while his mother, Mony Sivan, managed the home and his education with silent strength. Often, Sanesh would wake up early to help with small chores, carry lunch for his father, and still make it to school on time. These acts of care might have seemed simple, but they molded his character — nurturing humility and gratitude in his heart.
“He didn’t just study engineering — he engineered his own destiny, one challenge at a time.”
PHASE 3: The Engineer in Making
When Dr. Sanesh Sivan joined Government Engineering College, Wayanad, in 2006, it wasn’t just the beginning of a degree; it was the continuation of a promise he had made to himself years earlier — that no setback would ever define his future. He entered college through the lateral entry program, a path earned through perseverance rather than privilege, and skipped the first year entirely to join directly in the thirdsemester. It was a leap that required confidence, but Sanesh had something even greater — faith in hard work.
The shift from diploma to engineering was more than academic; it was emotional and symbolic. He had crossed the first major threshold of his dream — to become an engineer. But the reality that awaited him was not as smooth as the dream had promised. The Wayanad district, where his college was located, was beautiful yet challenging. The lush green landscapes, though serene, hid within them a daily struggle for survival — unpredictable weather, limited facilities, and frequent political strikes that often brought academic life to a standstill.
In his very first weeks, Sanesh realized that his battle was not only against textbooks and technology but also against time, distance, and circumstances. The college itself was a government institution, which meant it carried both prestige and limitations. The classrooms were functional but basic, and the resources, though valuable, were scarce. There were delays, interruptions, and frequent cancellations due to student movements and state-level agitations. For many, it was frustrating; for Sanesh, it was another lesson in patience.
He had already learned through life that consistency mattered more than speed. So even when classes were disrupted, he used his time wisely. He would study in the library, revise his notes, and explore programming concepts independently. While others treated strikes as holidays, he treated them as opportunities. “If I don’t use the time I have,” he often thought, “then who will?” That quiet self-discipline set him apart.
Note of Thanks
In reflecting upon his life’s journey, Dr. Sanesh Sivan extends his heartfelt gratitude to every person who has walked beside him—whether through the quiet seasons of struggle or the bright days of success. His story, from humble beginnings in Kerala to a fulfilling life and career in Kuwait, has been shaped by countless hands of care, faith, and love.
He first bows in gratitude to his parents, Sivan and Mony Sivan, whose sacrifices and values became the foundation of his strength. Their endless patience, humility, and courage taught him that true wealth lies not in possessions but in character.
To his beloved wife, Seethal, he offers the deepest thanks for her unwavering love and companionship. Through every challenge, she has been his silent strength, his calm in the storm, and the heart of their home. To his daughter, Devananda, he dedicates his hope and purpose—her laughter remains his truest healing.
He extends special appreciation to his colleagues and mentors at Mudon Real Estate Company in Kuwait, whose support and understanding during his recovery reaffirmed his faith in human kindness. He is equally grateful to his friends, extended family, and the members of the Saradhi Kuwait, who surrounded him with compassion and prayer during his most difficult times.
Above all, Dr. Sanesh Sivan thanks life itself—for the lessons hidden in hardship, the light that followed darkness, and the grace that carried him through. His journey stands as a living reminder that gratitude transforms pain into wisdom and every challenge into a reason to rise again—with hope, humility, and love.
Thanks
Dr. Sanesh Sivan