— D Prabhanjana Growing up in Chennai, I never imagined that my life would lead me to where I am now, studying English Studies at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). Born into a family of professional artists, creativity was in the air I breathed, and my upbringing was deeply rooted in the arts. My parents’ work taught me the value of expression, both personal and social, but it wasn’t until later that I truly realised how this could align with my own aspirations. I attended SBOA School and Junior College in Anna Nagar, Chennai, where I had a stable foundation in academics, but what truly stood out to me was my love for writing. I would often surprise my teachers, and even myself, with the quality of my essays. The way I structured my thoughts and articulated them was something that came naturally to me, and I began to realise that this was where my true strength lay. This gift for detailed writing, honed over years of school essays, turned out to be an asset when it came time to take the Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Exam (HSEE). Taking HSEE to land in IIT Madras In 2022, I sat for the HSEE, the last year it was conducted. My decision to take the exam wasn’t a simple one; it was driven by a long-standing desire to make a difference in the world by engaging directly with social issues. I knew that the key to improving the quality of life — for both myself and others — was understanding people, their behaviour, their language, their culture. Science and innovation were appealing, but I could not envision myself working in that space. Liberal arts seemed like a perfect fit, offering a vast canvas where I could explore a variety of subjects and eventually find my true passion. So, despite a brief detour into engineering at another college, I eventually found my way to liberal arts and decided to take the HSEE. Now, I am in my fourth year in English Studies at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Preparing for the exam wasn’t like what you hear about when it comes to entrance tests for engineering or medicine. I did not have to cram technical details or equations. Instead, I drew from my strength in writing, a skill I had nurtured over the years. Writing the essay section of the HSEE felt almost like second nature to me. I was not just answering questions; I was framing my thoughts and expressing them clearly. My school teachers had done a great job of helping me refine this ability, and it paid off during the exam. ‘A little uncertain transition’ Joining IIT Madras in 2022 was a huge step. Though I was still in Chennai, it was my first time living away from home. Initially, the transition felt a little uncertain. There was so much newness around me — new people, new routines, and a completely different environment. But I knew one thing. I was not going to waste this opportunity. As soon as I settled in, I jumped into college life with both feet, engaging in every activity that came my way. I have always enjoyed conversations, especially with new people, and this became one of the most enriching aspects of my time at IIT. Through these interactions, I have discovered so much about others and about myself. And though the food in the mess may not win any culinary awards, it’s part of the experience. Joining the athletics team, sports organising committee Athletics has always been a crucial part of my life. I joined the athletics team at IIT Madras as soon as I could, and in my first year, I became the youngest member to compete in the prestigious Inter IIT Sports. That was also the first time I left Tamil Nadu, and the experience felt surreal. Alongside athletics, I became part of the Sports Organising Committee and the Saarang Spotlight, where I had the opportunity to bring in and interview speakers and celebrities. I also participated in dance competitions for my club and even managed to win a few. With all these opportunities, it is safe to say I got a bit carried away and did not manage my academics as well as I should have. How IIT Madras transformed me But living in IIT has transformed me in ways I never expected. The sheer number of opportunities available made me feel grateful and determined to make the most of them. I became someone who loves pushing their limits and embracing new challenges. It taught me the invaluable lesson that nothing worth having comes easily — it requires hard work and dedication. This realisation pushed me to put in more effort and appreciate the opportunities that came my way. On a typical day, my routine is not strictly fixed, but I always make time for a few essential things. I spend at least an hour at each meal in the mess, and after that, you’ll often find me at Watsa, our stadium, playing a sport, or socialising with friends. Many late nights are filled with impromptu jam sessions, just hanging out and making memories. As much as I love spending time with people, I also enjoy hanging out in unexpected places — rooftops, bus stops, or even department buildings — each spot has its charm. However, if I had to pick a favorite hangout, I would say it is the road. There’s something about it that makes it my go-to place to unwind. ‘Incredibly supportive professors’ The professors at IIT Madras have been incredibly supportive, offering guidance that extends beyond the classroom. I once arrived 30 minutes late to a class, and my professor went out of their way to recap the entire lesson just for me. This kind of support has made me realise that the faculty here truly wants students to thrive. In terms of spending, I don’t buy much beyond food. Mess food may not be gourmet, but it is nourishing, and I don’t really need anything else. I am mindful about where I allocate my time and money, and I try to focus on things that truly matter to me. My love for sports, especially athletics, has always been a constant. The early morning practices, the exhausting sprints, the sweat, and that satisfying sip of water after a tough run — all of it brings me immense joy. Sports have been an outlet for me to push my physical and mental limits. I also take part in other sports like badminton, football, and cricket, and I am constantly trying to learn new ones, from tennis and swimming to volleyball and frisbee. During my time at IIT, I interned at AskIITM, where I worked in marketing and event management. I loved the work culture so much that I ended up doing a second internship there. The experience taught me essential skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Marketing IIT and JEE gave me a deeper understanding of how opportunities need to be accessible to people, and how they can shape lives. These lessons have stayed with me and continue to inform the way I approach challenges today. Through IIT, I’ve had the chance to meet incredible individuals, including political figures like Dharmendra Pradhan and Pranab Mukherjee. These opportunities, which might seem out of reach elsewhere, have made my time here unforgettable and have given me insights into the kind of impact I want to have in the future. Looking ahead Looking ahead, I can see myself in a role where I have a direct influence on people and the systems that shape their lives. I want to be part of the change, whether through social work, policy-making, or communication. I aim to be someone who interacts with people on a daily basis, listens to their concerns, and takes concrete steps to improve their lives. Linguistics is another field that fascinates me, and I hope to dive deeper into research and study in this area. For now, though, I am just soaking in everything IIT has to offer— learning, growing, and preparing for a future where I can make a meaningful difference.
