Vaskar Chakma
Contents
Early Life
Vaskar Chakma was born in filled with hills called Rangamati,[1] Bangladesh, into the indigenous Chakma community.[2] Growing up as a representative of this Chakma community presented numerous challenges and obstacles that shaped his formative years. The Chakma community, like many indigenous groups, has faced historical marginalization and socio-economic disadvantages in Bangladesh. These challenges often translate into limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
From a young age, Vaskar experienced the harsh realities of these systemic issues. The struggle for basic amenities and the need to navigate societal prejudices were part of his daily life. Despite these adversities, Vaskar's parents instilled in him the importance of education and perseverance. Their support and encouragement played a crucial role in his determination to overcome the barriers that came with his indigenous identity. Attending school was not always straightforward. The schools in his region were often under-resourced, and the quality of education varied significantly. Vaskar had to travel long distances to attend classes and frequently relied on self-study to supplement his learning. His passion for technology and learning was a beacon of hope during these challenging times. He spent countless hours at home, teaching himself programming and other technical skills using whatever resources he could find.
In addition to educational hurdles, Vaskar's early life was marked by economic hardships. The Chakma community's traditional livelihoods [3] were often disrupted by broader socio-political dynamics, making financial stability a persistent concern. Vaskar contributed to his family's well-being by participating in local initiatives and small-scale economic activities, all while maintaining his focus on his studies. The intersection of these struggles and his indomitable spirit forged a path of resilience and determination. Vaskar's ability to rise above the difficulties of his early life, driven by an unyielding desire to learn and succeed, became a defining feature of his character. His journey from the challenges of his indigenous background to his achievements in higher education and technology serves as an inspiring testament to his perseverance and dedication.
Education
Vaskar Chakmaβs educational journey reflects his determination and commitment to academic excellence, overcoming significant socio-economic challenges as a member of the indigenous Chakma community in Bangladesh.
Higher Secondary Education
In the session of 2017β2018, Vaskar enrolled at Rangamati Government College, where he pursued his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in the Science stream. The college, located in the heart of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, provided a more structured educational environment. During this period, Vaskar excelled in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, mathematics, and many more, laying a solid foundation for his future studies in computer science. His performance at Rangamati Government College, coupled with his self-motivated learning, prepared him well for the rigors of higher education.
Undergraduate Education
In 2021, Vaskar took a significant step in his academic journey by enrolling at Nantong University in Jiangsu, Peopleβs Republic of China.[4] He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Technology, a program renowned for its comprehensive and challenging curriculum. At Nantong University, Vaskar is immersing himself in a variety of courses designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a career in computer science.
Key courses in his undergraduate program included :
- Computer Networks: Understanding the Principles and Protocols that Underpin Modern Networking.
- Data Structures: Learning efficient ways to organize, manage, and store data.
- Operating Systems: Gaining insights into the functions and management of operating systems.
- Embedded Systems: Exploring the integration of software and hardware in embedded computing environments.
- Software Engineering: Studying methodologies for the design and development of software systems.
- Database Systems: Learning about database design, management, and optimization.
- Programming: Acquiring proficiency in multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, and Assembly.
- VR and Computer Gaming
Honors and Achievements
Vaskar Chakma has garnered several notable achievements and honors throughout his academic and professional journey. His dedication to his studies and his outstanding academic performance were recognized when he was awarded a Bachelor University Scholarship at Nantong University , a testament to his academic excellence. In addition, Vaskar achieved a top-3 ranking in the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK4) [5] at the university, reflecting his commitment to linguistic and cultural integration.
In March 2023, Vaskar participated in the Student Summit Bangladesh Watch Party 2023 , organized by the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador .[6] This significant event, part of the MLSA Summit 2023, brought together student ambassadors from across Bangladesh to discuss and explore the latest advancements in technology and innovation.
In July 2022, Vaskar was recognized for his efforts in the Digital Khichuri Challenge 2022, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As a member of Team "WHAT TO DO", he played a pivotal role in creating public awareness about cyberbullying. The teamβs commendable work earned them a place as finalists in the challenge, which aimed to promote digital peace and safety, significantly contributing to community education on cyber issues.
Earlier in January 2022, Vaskar participated in the UN Trivia Olympiad, hosted by the International Model United Nations (IMUN). This experience enriched his understanding of international diplomacy and relations. His involvement in the Olympiad was recognized with a recommendation from the International Model United Nations Association (IMUNA), underscoring his growing interest in and knowledge of global issues.
In December 2020, Vaskar completed the Hour of Code program, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Dhaka. This initiative introduced him to the fundamentals of coding and computer science, fostering his interest in software development and computational thinking.
Training and Courses
Vaskar Chakma's journey through the world of technology and computer science has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge beyond the traditional classroom. His commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement is reflected in the diverse range of training programs and courses he has completed.
(1) Hour of Code (2020) : U.S. Embassy Bangladesh and Arduino Community Bangladesh
(2) Protect Against Security Threats on Azure (2021) : Microsoft
(3) Problem Solving Basic (2022) : HackerRank
(4) Ethical Hacking Nmap Course (2022) : Udemy
(5) Khichuri Challenge (2022) : UNDP Bangladesh
(6) Explore and Analyze Data with Python (2023) : Microsoft
(7) Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python (2023) : Google and Coursera
(8) Conference focused on βInnovating Knowledge (AI, ML) Economy in the Emerging Countries (2024)β by Kris Singh Visiting Professor and Director of IEDE Program, Tsinghua University
Language Abilities
Vaskar Chakma is a polyglot with proficiency in several languages, which has significantly contributed to his personal and professional growth. Below is a detailed overview of his language abilities:
| Language | Listening | Reading | Spoken Interaction | Spoken Production | Writing | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chakma | Native | Native | Native | Native | Native | Mother Tongue |
| Bengali | C2 | C2 | C2 | C2 | C2 | Proficient User |
| English | B2 | B2 | B2 | B2 | B2 | Independent User |
| Chinese | B2 | B2 | B1 | B1 | A2 | Independent User |
| Hindi | C1 | B2 | B2 | Limited Proficiency | ||
| Urdu | C1 | B2 | B2 | Limited Proficiency |
Co-Curricular Experiences
Vaskar Chakma has been actively involved in various co-curricular activities that have significantly enriched his personal and professional development. As a student volunteer at Nantong University, he assisted international students with administrative tasks and orientation processes, helping new students navigate the university system, providing support during registration, and facilitating cultural exchange programs. This role enhanced his communication skills and developed a strong sense of community involvement, fostering a welcoming environment for international students.
Serving as the Head of Human Resources for Rhukkengor Valedeer Gabussya (RhuVaGa), Vaskar led the Human Resources department. He managed documentation, organized events such as the "Chakma Language Course" in collaboration with Changma Sahitya Bah in 2021 and 2022, and coordinated activities aimed at fostering camaraderie among volunteers from diverse backgrounds. He also played a key role in organizing fund-raising business events in 2022 and 2023 and was a finalist in the "WHAT TO DO" Digital Peace Movement campaign, which worked to create public awareness about cyberbullying. This position improved his organizational and leadership skills and played a pivotal role in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion within the community.
Vaskar's passion for cycling is evident through his co-founding of the Rangamati Cyclists. During his tenure from December 2017 to December 2019, he participated in and completed various challenging cycling events, including the "Legend MTB Challenge" organized by the Bangladesh Adventure Club and Rangamati District Sports Association. He also took part in significant rides such as the "Chittagong - Rangamati" up hills and down hills ride of 126 KM+ in August 2018, and the "Rangamati - Khagrachari" up hills and down hills ride of 144 KM+ in December 2018.
Additionally, as a member of the HandleBar Army from January 2015 to July 2017, Vaskar participated in various cycling and stunt riding events. He attended the "Bijoy Ride" on 16th December 2016, commemorating the Victory Day of Bangladesh, and took part in the "Rantoseeds Rumble Season 02 - 2017" in Chittagong. These experiences have not only enhanced his physical endurance and discipline but also fostered a spirit of teamwork and resilience.
As a youth volunteer with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Vaskar engaged in various humanitarian efforts and community service activities. He participated in disaster relief operations, health awareness campaigns, and blood donation drives, developing a strong sense of social responsibility and empathy. These experiences provided him with valuable experience in crisis management and community outreach, underscoring his commitment to serving society.
