Abhishek Kumar Singh

Nothing can stop you from pursuing your dreams—this is the essence of Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar’s remarkable journey—a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and scientific achievement that began in the quiet corners of rural Bihar.

Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar hails from a remote village in Kishanganj, Bihar. During his early years, his family struggled even to afford basic necessities. Despite immense hardships, his family invested in his education—a decision that would one day lead to a significant contribution in the global fight against some of the world’s deadliest viruses.

Thanks to his unwavering determination and his family’s sacrifices, Dr. Nayyar recently made a breakthrough discovery in vaccine research targeting flavivirus infections such as Zika, Dengue, Hepatitis C, and Ebola.

Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar in his laboratory

He has been awarded a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship in the University of Southampton, United Kingdom, where his cutting-edge work holds promise for major public health advances.

Dr. Nayyar’s life began amidst adversity. When he was just eight years old, his father passed away, leaving the family in deep financial distress. His mother was left to raise the children with limited means, while his elder brother, Zainul Abedin, gave up his education and took up labour work to support the household and fund his younger brothers’ schooling.

These formative experiences shaped Dr. Nayyar’s worldview. He witnessed children in his village suffer and die due to a lack of healthcare—a tragic reality that inspired his dream of becoming a doctor.

Though he attempted several medical entrance exams, he was not selected, even when he qualified for professional courses like BDS and B.Pharm. Exorbitant fees made enrollment impossible.

Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar

But he didn’t give up. Choosing a more practical and affordable path, he enrolled in the newly introduced BSc Biotechnology program at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi. This marked a turning point.

A two-year merit scholarship from the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Central Waqf Board soon followed, giving him a much-needed boost in his academic journey.

He later joined Jamia Hamdard University in Delhi, where his academic excellence earned him the Tasmia Merit Scholarship. Driven by hard work and aided by timely opportunities, he was eventually selected for a PhD at the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune—one of India’s premier research institutions under the Department of Biotechnology.

At NCCS, Dr. Nayyar worked under the mentorship of Dr. Bhaskar Saha, a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award. His research focused on immune responses by natural killer cells against flavivirus infections—a crucial area in virology and immunology.

Today, Dr. Nayyar works at a leading vaccine research laboratory in the UK, where his recent discovery has drawn attention in the global scientific community. His work on cellular immunity and vaccine development for flavivirus infections has the potential to lead to life-saving interventions worldwide.

Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar

He believes the future of vaccine research lies in modulating the body’s immune response—particularly at the cellular level. The progress made by his team offers hope that scientific innovation can bring lasting relief to millions affected by viral diseases.

Beyond his lab work, Dr. Nayyar is a thoughtful and socially engaged individual. In a recent media interview, he offered a critical perspective on the Indian education system, pointing out the stark disparities between rural and urban areas. “There is a vast gap between rural and urban education in India. Because of this, many talented individuals from villages are unable to contribute to the country’s development,” he said.

He also speaks candidly about the socio-political and educational challenges faced by the Muslim community, asserting that education must be the top priority. “Many poor parents push their children into labor for short-term gain. If my parents had done the same, I might be working in a garage today,” he reflected.

Dr. Nayyar sees India’s diversity as a source of strength rather than division. “As diverse as we are religiously and culturally, we can be equally productive and creative. We should embrace this diversity as a foundation for unity and innovation,” he said.

Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar

He urges young people to reject mob mentality and communal incitement. “We must adopt scientific thinking and rationality—only then can real progress happen,” he asserted.

Looking ahead, Dr. Nayyar plans to return to India and contribute to vaccine research and health education in rural communities. He envisions an India that is not just a consumer of imported technologies, but a global leader in innovation. For this, he believes scientists must develop solutions grounded in local realities.

Dr. Mumtaz Nayyar’s journey stands as a powerful example for countless young people—that no matter the odds, with determination and resilience, anything is possible. His life story proves that poverty, social obstacles, and systemic inequality are no match for the will to dream and the courage to act.

Today, he is not only a respected scientist but also a beacon of social awareness. His struggles, insights, and achievements inspire India to advance not only in science but in equity and justice.

ALSO READ: Tayyaba Afroze broke barriers to become first Muslim woman pilot from Bihar

His story is not merely one of scientific triumph, but of inner strength, compassion, and a profound commitment to social change. From a little-known village in Bihar to the forefront of global vaccine research, Dr. Nayyar is a guiding light for those who dare to dream big.