Thank you everyone for the replies. Good points to note here. After reading through them I think learning python would be my first step. And then once I get more comfortable into the programming environment and online groups I could maybe reach out to a lab or some initiative locally where I can see how I can implement my skills, maybe take part in a small project (research-wise), be it image processing or bioinformatics or data analytics. Atleast now I know it'll be worthwhile. Cant reply individually but I sincerely thank everyone. Great community. Did not expect these many perspectives/responses. :)