‘How life at IIT Madras shaped my journey through leadership and global experiences’ | Life in an IIT

Growing up, my family moved around a lot because my father served in the Indian Air Force. We finally settled in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, where I completed my schooling. I had always dreamed of being an aerospace engineer and even aimed for the NDA at one point. But during the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling process, I ended up choosing naval engineering, primarily because it secured me a seat at one of the top IITs. That decision, though unexpected, has shaped my life in ways I am grateful for.

When I first arrived at the IIT Madras in April 2022, I had some challenges adjusting to the cultural diversity. Communicating with students from Kerala and other southern states was unfamiliar, and I noticed a surge of confidence among students from states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. But the inclusive campus culture and the support of my seniors helped me adapt quickly.

I threw myself into campus life by joining clubs and societies, which were instrumental in my personal growth. I was part of IIT Madras Team Pragati and served as a core member of the Placement and Internship Cell from 2022 to 2024. More recently, I was elected as the Students’ General Secretary for the 2024-25 term — a role I am proud to take on. But it was not always this way.

When I first came here, I was shy and introverted. I struggled with public speaking and interacting with people. However, through canvassing for hostel elections and taking part in various activities, I gained confidence. I learned how to communicate effectively and manage diverse teams. The person I am today is much more confident and socially adept than the person who first stepped onto this campus.

Music has always been a passion and IIT Madras gave me the platform to improve my skills as a vocalist. My stage presence has grown leaps and bounds since I first performed here. It is a small but significant marker of how my confidence has evolved.

Another milestone in my journey was my recent internship in Germany. It opened my eyes to different ways of thinking and exposed me to global perspectives, something I’m eager to apply in my future career.

As I move forward, my ultimate goal is to enter civil services. My time at IIT Madras has been more than just an academic experience — it is been a life-altering journey that has equipped me with the skills, confidence, and perspective to take on the challenges ahead. IIT Madras did not just transform me as a student; it transformed me as a person.