Two years into his college life he was married. His wife, Halima, proved to be an able ally and companion in his journey. Abdulgani’s grades never suffered, and when he cleared his final examinations he had, unbelievably enough, secured a gold medal. The milk-boy of yesteryears had received a first class, and he was ranked first as well. Besides, he had received distinction. This way he completed his Bachelor’s in Engineering (Mechanical) from the M.S. University in Baroda. The year was 1963. One more interesting fact about his college days is that in his first year he was lucky to be classmate and friend of Sam Pitroda, the great Indian visionary who is the father of telecommunications in India. Also, Abdulgani was the first to become an engineer in his community and inspired other good students to follow after him.

Even though not too many jobs were to be found in the India of the 1960s, engineers did not have it that tough. Within two weeks of passing out, Abdulgani was hired by the Gujarat State Electricity Board. He was to receive a princely amount of Rs 250/month. From the Rs 50 that he would save for his family from his scholarship money, the amount he could now send home would go up considerably and improve the condition of his loved ones. He became his family’s pride and the toast of his town. When he handed over his first salary in its entirety to his mother, there were tears all over the household. They were tears of joy. The money was used to buy a ceiling fan. And then for the very first time Umarbhai’s household could install a tap that would give them running water.