In the dynamic world of technology, Nirmal Khatri emerges as a passionate advocate for IBM i, leaving a persisting mark on the community. With a career spanning over 17 years in the IT industry, Nirmal's evolution from a Software Developer to an IBM i Architect and currently serving as the Vice President of Technology at Programmers.io speaks volumes about his commitment and expertise. Nirmal's passion for IBM i is rooted in its reliability, scalability, and the integrated tools it offers. As the leader of a team of 250+ IBM i developers at Programmers.io, he empowers clients across the United States to harness the full potential of the IBM i platform.

 At the forefront of education, Nirmal is the driving force behind the IBM i internship program at Programmers.io. This initiative has successfully trained over 1000 university students, preparing them for a future in the IBM i landscape. Additionally, Nirmal and his team organise free IBM i Lunch and Learn sessions, providing seasoned professionals with insights into the latest trends and advancements. Nirmal's involvement extends beyond his professional capacity. Regularly contributing to IBM i community forums, he is known for his adept explanations of intricate technical concepts and a willingness to assist others. His dedication has earned him prestigious accolades, including the IBM Fresh Faces in 2019 and the IBM Contributor & Advocate in 2023, and ultimately the IBM Champion title.

Nirmal's commitment to knowledge-sharing is evident in his active participation in various initiatives. The Free 4-month IBM i Internship Program, initiated in 2020, has been instrumental in providing hands-on learning experiences to university students. The Global Sessions on Advanced IBM i Topics to facilitate knowledge exchange among seasoned IBM i developers worldwide. As Nirmal continues his journey, he remains dedicated to giving back to the technology community. His favorite advocacy forms – whether through blogging, community engagement, or public speaking – all stem from a profound desire to contribute to the growth of the IBM i ecosystem.

If he weren’t a part of the technology world, this is what his dream job would be; “I wanted to become a Pilot in my School days and still would love to fly a Plane if I get a chance to learn!”

In summary, Nirmal Khatri's story is one of continuous growth, dedication, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of IBM i. As he looks ahead, his influence on the IBM i community promises to be a beacon of inspiration for those navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Lightning round:

•               What would be your superpower and why? Sharing more knowledge and empowering community . 

•               Ice cream or cake? cake

•               Cats or dogs? dogs

•               Summer or winter? Summer

•               Morning or evening? Morning

•               eBook or paper book? Paper book

•               TV shows or movies? Movies

•               A night out or a night in?  Night in

•               Cannonball into the pool or dip a toe in first?  Dip a toe in first

•               Go-to karaoke song?

•               Drive or fly? fly

Connect with Nirmal on LinkedIn and Community page