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Journalism of Courage
— Arka Prava Mandal
Growing up in a small tier-3 town called Purulia in West Bengal, the idea of making it to an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) seemed distant. Most of my classmates in school either pursued general studies or aimed for medical fields. But I had a different dream — I wanted to become an engineer. I chose physics, chemistry, mathematics (PCM) and statistics over biology after Class 10, and while this path seemed daunting, I was determined. The fear of “What if I fail?” was always there, lingering in the background. With no backup plan, I knew I had to give this my all.
When I first attempted the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in 2020, I did not score as well as I had hoped. That realisation hit hard, but it was not enough to make me give up. I took a year off, distancing myself from social media and cutting contact with everyone except my closest friends. The lockdown, in a way, was a blessing; it gave me uninterrupted time to study at home while attending online coaching. I remember relying heavily on online resources, something I initially found challenging as I was more comfortable with offline classes. But with determination, I discovered that the internet could be a cost-effective powerhouse for JEE preparation.
I focused on perfecting a few trusted resources, practised them thoroughly, and prepared short, one-page notes for each chapter. Repeatedly solving previous years’ questions and setting daily targets kept me on track.
When the results came out, I had cleared both JEE Main and Advanced, and with my rank, I had a choice to make. I opted for Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. Many think Chemical Engineering is heavy on chemistry, but I quickly learned that it’s only about 10 per cent chemistry and much more physics and mathematics.
In 2022, I finally set foot on the IIT Kharagpur campus during my second year. My first year had been entirely online, so this was also my first experience living away from home. Fortunately, Kharagpur is just a four-hour train ride from Purulia, which made the transition easier, and I never really felt lonely. The first few days were overwhelming, especially adjusting to roommates who were complete strangers at first. Over time, we bonded, staying up late, and eventually became close friends.
Food was not much of an issue for me either. I have always adapted well to new environments, thanks to my parents’ lessons on resilience. The social and cultural life here is something else. I joined multiple societies in my first year to explore different interests. Eventually, I stuck with the Communiqué, the soft skills and personality development society, where I was honoured to be appointed as the governor. I also joined the Bengali Dramatics Society, Druheen, and the Technology Filmmaking and Photography Society (TFPS), where I found a platform to explore my creative side and meet amazing seniors and juniors.
Balancing studies and extra-curricular activities is not always easy. It takes discipline, especially with so many activities constantly happening on campus. I prioritise my personal assignments and classes, but these societies give me a space to relax, learn, and grow. It is all about managing time well. While some students spend hours on social media, I have always believed in investing my time where it will count.
The Radhakrishnan Hall of Residence or ‘RK Hall’, as we call it, is where I live. Being the Social Cultural Secretary in my second year gave me incredible experiences. I was a part of our Nukkad team, competing in the General Championship, where we won second place among all halls. The memories of practising for hours, performing with friends, and the rallying cry of ‘RK ka tempo high hai’ still echo in my mind.
My days do not follow a strict routine, but I make it a point to spend at least 30 minutes a day alone, introspecting. I believe self-reflection is crucial for personal growth. After classes, assignments, and other responsibilities, I usually go for an evening run. Planning has always been my approach — I prepare for upcoming events early and avoid last-minute stress. Life in college does not always go by the book, but having some structure helps me stay focused.
When I am not studying, I spend time reading blogs, listening to music, or hanging out with friends. We often gather in our rooms, where our “chilling sessions” sometimes stretch to 3-4 hours. One of my favourite rituals is the daily walk around “2.2” with my Bengali group after dinner — a small but cherished routine.
Looking back, IIT Kharagpur has been a transformative experience. Clearing JEE Advanced taught me that I could tackle any challenge that comes my way. The exposure here opened my mind, giving me a broader perspective on my career and life. Job satisfaction, I realised, is as important as financial success. IIT has helped me mature; I am now someone who thinks carefully before making decisions.
In my heart, I will always carry memories of the campus canteen and the warm uncle who prepares my favourite Oreo shake without me asking or the professor who inspires me with his humility and wisdom. And, of course, my Bengali gang — they are my family here, and they turned my hostel room into a home.
I have not planned everything out just yet. I am set to intern at Zepto next year and might take up a corporate role after graduation. But IIT Kharagpur’s motto — ‘Dedicated to the Service of the Nation’ — is etched in my mind. I am waiting for the right opportunity to fulfil it.
If there is one thing I have learned through this journey, it is that life always gives us fair chances. Getting into IIT is not the end-all — it is just the beginning of new opportunities. To anyone on a similar path, do not let failure discourage you. Take it as a lesson, recharge, and go after your dreams. As we say at KGP, ‘Baaki sab peace hai!’
