‘Diversity and range of the IIT system sets a student apart,’ writes IIT-Guwahati professor

The diversity and the ethos of the IIT ecosystem allow a student to flourish, no matter the discipline they choose.

The scale of diversity in IITs is unique in the academic world. For the students, classmates represent widely diverse appearances, behaviours, economic and social backgrounds, languages, accents, food habits and culture. So, it is natural for one to face a world of difference upon arrival in the campus.

However, this environment brings the opportunity to appreciate the strength of others and learn to live and communicate with contrasting neighbours. The teachers are not only different from each other in the way they appear but also in the manner they speak, teach and care for the students.

In an IIT, students are challenged by teachers and also their peers. In turn, teachers are challenged by students and their colleagues in the faculty. This kind of symbiotic relationship provides the students with options for knowing their place in a highly competitive world and growing up to be a better person.

Once, an engineering undergraduate student was particularly stressed with his future plans. He loved humanities more than his engineering or science subjects. His father was visiting him. We three had discussions over a long walk where I emphasised the importance of his freedom over parental ambitions. Recently, he wrote me an email about how happy he was in achieving a personal milestone of publishing his first novel.

Interestingly, IIT students cooperate to compete with their colleagues. In hostels, during events, and even on the roads of the campus at night, we can see that they are trying to learn and prepare for the next examination. The exercises help them prepare for the greater world of independent careers. Networking with seniors and alumni contributes to their prosperity in a connected world.

Classroom teaching alone does not shape the body and mind of an individual who wishes to grow through intellectual pursuit. Sports, music, yoga, meditation and interactions with successful individuals contribute to the growth of personality. I once observed a PhD student pursuing yoga and religion during her studies. She is now a professor and teaches yoga and religious practices independently.

In the IITs, there will always be someone who knows more than you; the environment itself makes the students humble. Eventually, these students also develop mature social skills that become valuable to lead institutions and corporates.

An undergraduate student may attend classes of up to fifty different teachers who teach a wide variety of subjects. The majority of teachers have exposure to international academics. Thus, the culture at IITs prepares students for future international employments.

At a point of time, IIT Guwahati had decided to open a branch of engineering where science subjects were as important as popular engineering ones. The admitted students were under pressure from peers in conventional branches. I had discussions with the students over a long period of time on how their strong science background while pursuing engineering may have transformative influence over their future prospects and society. A student wrote to me recently about how happy she was with her new job in an American multinational conglomerate where she has finally realized the potential of her specific undergraduate studies.

The diversity of the environment in the IITs continues to be their defining factor.

(The writer is a professor, Department of Chemistry, IIT Guwahati)