But he never let his attachment for books go away. He knew that studies would eventually be his passport to higher education in a foreign land. At every stage, during his school career, Abdulgani remained way ahead of his classmates insofar as his grades and marks were concerned. He graduated from high school in 1958, securing second rank among all school children in town. He was advised by a teacher to take up engineering. But Ganibhai’s family did not have the means to pay for college fees.

At this juncture in his life, with the Divine Grace of God, he was blessed with 100-rupees-per-month scholarship from the Federal Government. He began his engineering education at M.S. University of Baroda and stayed at the Nagarwada Muslim Boarding in the middle of the city. It was inexpensive, all he paid for sharing a room with four other students was Rs 25 every month. That amount included the cost of meals. To further cut down on costs, he walked to college every day. With his frugal lifestyle, he managed to save half his scholarship money and send it back to his parents, such was his noble value system even at a young age.

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.