Life in an IIT | From Chhattisgarh’s Gurur to IIT Madras

My first real inspiration to join the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) came in Class 10 when I heard about it from my uncle. The thought stayed with me, and after Class 12, I decided to take a drop year to prepare for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). It was a tough period, but it finally paid off when I secured an All India PREP-CRL-PWD Rank of 198 in JEE Advanced. That rank opened the gates of IIT Madras for me – a place I had only dreamt of until then. Entering IIT was not just an achievement; it was a turning point, especially because I have a locomotor disability in my left leg.

Today, I am in my fourth year of a Dual Degree (BTech + MTech) in Engineering Design at the Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras. The initial days of hostel life were overwhelming. I had never been away from home for so long, and during my preparation, I rarely went out without a vehicle. Adjusting to campus routines, managing on my own, and being so far from my hometown were challenges. But slowly, IIT Madras became a second home.

Coming from North India to the South was another big shift. The language, the culture, the food, even the weather felt different. But the diversity in my department, and the mix of students from every corner of India, turned this shift into a source of learning and growth.

Accessibility support

Accessibility support at IIT Madras has played a central role in making me feel included. The Inclusive Education team provided me with resources like an e-bike and other assistive facilities that make everyday life easier. Faculty leaders such as Prof Nilesh J Vasa, Prof Saji K Mathew, and now Prof Satyanarayana N Gummadi have been mentors who truly cared about accessibility on campus. Under their leadership, initiatives like the Inclusive Education Resource Centre (IERC) and the Tactile Library were inaugurated.

Beyond academics, I have been deeply engaged in campus life. I served as a Core Member of the Wellness Team (Mitr) for two years, worked with the Creative Team of Extra Mural Lectures (EML), and joined multiple clubs that kept me busy and inspired. These experiences taught me teamwork, leadership, and event management – lessons no textbook could provide.

For the past eight months, I have been interning with the Accessibility Research Centre (ARC) under Prof Hemachandran Karah, Prof Saji K Mathew, and Prof Nilesh J Vasa. Balancing project work with academics keeps my routine packed, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my IIT journey. With ARC, I have worked on projects like building an accessible corner at the Chennai Science Centre and expanding accessibility solutions within the institute.

Evenings are my favourite part of the day. That is when I sit with friends over tea or casual chats, sometimes discussing startups, wellness initiatives, or the next EML event. These peaceful yet energetic conversations are what make IIT life truly special. My hobbies – design, product ideation, poster making, and editing – keep me creatively engaged outside of academics.

Financially, too, I have grown more independent. Through my internship stipend, I have been managing my expenses and, from last year, even supporting my younger brother’s education alongside my own.

Road ahead

Looking ahead, I see myself either in the government or corporate sector, working in accessibility and inclusive solutions. My long-term dream is to build my own startup dedicated to accessibility. People like Prof Vasa have shaped not just my academic work but also my vision of what I want to create in the world.

For me, IIT Madras is not just an institute. It is a platform that has given me opportunities, mentors, and a community that constantly pushes me to grow. It has brought me comfort, peace, and confidence – and above all, it has given me the vision to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.