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Journalism of Courage
– Jyoti Rao
During my school days, I got to know about the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) conducted nationwide for engineering aspirants when my sister who went to Sikar city from our hometown Ghardana Khurd in Rajasthan for NEET UG coaching. She used to tell me that her teachers often mentioned that JEE is one of India’s most challenging examinations.
Intrigued by her descriptions, I decided to take up the challenge myself. The prestige associated with JEE, coupled with its reputation as one of the toughest examinations in the country, motivated me to give it a shot. So I gave my 100 per cent and in 2022, cracked IIT JEE Advanced.
I secured a seat in the Physics branch in an integrated dual degree programme at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in 2022.
I arrived at IIT Madras like many other students, eager to pursue a career in physics. However, fate had other plans for me. I enrolled in NCC as a cadet and found myself balancing life as an IITian and a cadet. As I immersed myself in this dual role, I discovered a strong inclination towards a career in defence.
With the unwavering support of my parents and IIT Madras, I made the decision to drop both semesters in 2022 and prepare for the entrance examination to National Defence Academy (NDA).
The journey was not easy. While my friends attended classes, I spent countless hours in my room or the library preparing for the competitive exam. Initially, I had few friends, but over time, I formed meaningful connections.
Although, I cleared the NDA entrance test and the rigorous five-day SSB interview, I was disqualified in the medical round as my issues with eyesight posed a setback.
Despite this challenge, my parents and the institute stood by me once again. With their encouragement, I secured admission to the 2023 batch at the same department.
I restarted my journey at IIT Madras by enrolling in the first year with the 2023 batch.
During my second year at the campus, after my SSB results are out and I was back to the campus again, I started actively participating in the Aero Club, which is closely aligned with my dream.
At the Aero Club, we learn how to construct RC planes and drones, and also gain proficiency in flying them.
Additionally, I joined the Plant-Based Society of IIT Madras, an independent student body dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Balancing these extracurricular activities with academics is challenging, but I believe, IITs provide an excellent platform for learning stress and time management. The rigorous environment of IITs naturally cultivates these skills among students.
It is fascinating how we all learn to handle responsibilities and pressure effectively because IITs are renowned for emphasizing these aspects.
Being in IIT has indeed been transformative for me. As we know, IITs are renowned for being talent pools, offering a platform from which one can venture in any direction. My journey here has been instrumental in my personal development. Previously, I had never been away from home alone. Now, I’ve become self-reliant and confident in navigating various situations independently.
Moreover, my time at IIT has allowed me to build a wide network of connections with exceptional individuals. I have learned invaluable skills such as stress management, handling pressure effectively, and efficient time management. These skills have not only enhanced my academic journey but have also shaped me into a more capable and resilient individual. IIT has truly been a catalyst for my personal growth and prepared me comprehensively for the challenges ahead.
IITians often follow a similar routine. Typically, we stay up until around 3 am, especially during exams, and even otherwise, midnight to 1 am is our usual bedtime. Mornings start with classes followed by heading to our respective club spaces.
Lately, I have developed an interest in swimming and have enrolled in our campus pool, swimming daily. During my free time, I enjoy playing badminton. A mandatory part of my day is talking to my parents for about an hour, which I find incredibly relaxing. I can miss anything but not this beautiful part of my day.
After completing my BS MS dual degree, I do have Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) in mind; it is something I intend to pursue. However, life is unpredictable. Recently, I have developed a keen interest in programming. I find it incredibly engaging to instruct a computer, essentially teaching it to perform tasks.
