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Journalism of Courage
— Sambit Beura
Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The name ‘IIT’ carried a sense of pride, achievement, and limitless opportunities. It was not just about the prestige – it was about proving to myself and to the world that I could rise above the challenges life had thrown at me. Growing up in Adaspur village of Cuttack, Odisha, near the serene Mahanadi River, my journey to IIT Hyderabad was fuelled by determination, perseverance, and the belief that education could transform my future.
Getting into IIT wasn’t easy. I first appeared for the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) in 2023 and secured an AIR of 2451. It was not enough to get me a seat. But I did not lose hope. I prepared rigorously, using online resources, and appeared again in 2024. This time, I achieved an AIR of 336, finally securing my spot at IIT Hyderabad.
I am now in my first year of MSc in Physics at IIT Hyderabad.
I come from a humble background. My father, now an assistant administrative officer at the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), worked as a normal worker in the Corporation for 17 years, earning just Rs 6,000 a month. Back then, life was challenging. There were days when I could not enjoy the simple joys of visiting the market or eating outside food. My father struggled to pay my tuition fees, but he never let me give up on my studies. But now, when I look back, I feel proud to have faced those struggles that made me who I am today.
Despite these hardships, I was determined to excel. My schooling at Government High School, Cuttack, and later my graduation from Utkal University, laid the foundation for my aspirations. Teachers always had high expectations of me, and their belief in my potential kept me going.
I still remember the mixed reactions from my village. Many didn’t understand the significance of IIT. Some thought I was going to Hyderabad for an ITI course and questioned why I would go so far from home for it. Their words brought a smile to my face – they had no idea what IIT meant and the opportunities it could offer.
There have been moments that made this journey truly special. When I secured admission to IIT, my school invited me back to honour me with prizes and gifts. The Block Officer even organised a function to celebrate my achievement. Seeing the pride in my teachers’ and parents’ eyes was indescribable.
When I arrived at IIT Hyderabad in 2024, it was my first time living away from home. Initially, I was nervous, but I quickly found a family among my friends here. Everyone is so polite and helpful; they never let me feel lonely.
I joined the Astro Club, which became my escape from the rigors of academics. The coursework is undoubtedly challenging, but the environment at IIT is incredibly enriching. It’s not just about academics – there’s a world of opportunities here. From sports to cultural events, I have explored so much in just a few months.
The facilities and faculty here are unmatched. Coming from a state college, I was amazed by the advanced physics labs and the quality of teaching. Every day feels like a step closer to my dreams.
My routine starts early, with a refreshing cycling session around the beautiful campus. Lectures fill most of the day, but I always make time for some evening fun – whether it is walking, playing cricket, or hanging out with friends. My hobbies, like reading storybooks and cooking, keep me grounded.
In our free time, my friends and I often gather for long gossip or head to the sports complex to play carrom and chess. These small moments of joy make campus life unforgettable.
After my MSc in physics, my goal is to pursue a PhD. This place has opened up a world of ideas and resources that will help me in my research journey. IIT is not just an institute; it’s a platform that nurtures dreams and turns them into reality.
From struggling to afford school fees to walking the corridors of one of India’s premier institutes, my journey has been a testament to resilience and hope. IIT has given me a platform to dream bigger and strive harder. To anyone reading this, let my story remind you – no matter where you come from, dreams do come true with perseverance and belief in yourself.
