–Salifyanji Wizah Sichilindi
I grew up in Lusaka, Zambia, in a family that taught me the value of hard work and possibility. My mother, now retired, always pushed me to study seriously, while my father, an international truck driver who travelled across Africa, showed me what dedication and resilience look like. Watching him cross borders for work made me believe early on that the world is bigger than where you are born—and that education could be my passport to explore it. That mindset is what led me to India.
Right after my secondary school, I received admission to Marwadi University in Rajkot, Gujarat, through the Study in India scheme. The programme was meant to strengthen international relations and bring students like me to Indian campuses. The scholarship covered my tuition fees, food, and accommodation, though not my stipend, visa, or travel. I had to take the very first Ind-SAT exam in 2020—conducted across more than 50 countries—to qualify. When the results arrived, I felt genuinely privileged. That scholarship changed the direction of my life.
Landing in India: The first big step abroad
At Marwadi University, I completed my BTech, and by the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue a more specialised path – something that would allow me to contribute to Zambia’s infrastructure development in the future. Construction Technology and Management was the perfect match, and one name kept coming up whenever I discussed my dreams with mentors: IIT Bombay.
So I applied through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship scheme. For international students, ICCR manages the entire admission process. There is no Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) requirement; selection is merit-based, depending on academic record and overall competence.
My preparation therefore was straightforward but demanding: keep my grades strong and present my achievements clearly. The toughest part wasn’t the academics—it was waiting.
The selection process has many stages and requires months of patience.
Eventually, my department at IIT Bombay issued an offer, which ICCR then forwarded to my country’s embassy for physical verification and background checks. Only after these formalities was the scholarship officially granted. The ICCR scholarship covers tuition, flights, and a monthly stipend – an enormous support system for someone studying far from home.
Sitting in my second year of MTech in Civil Engineering – Construction Technology and Management at IIT Bombay, I realise that every step from Lusaka to here has been worth it.
Arriving at IIT Bombay: A new life begins
I arrived at IIT Bombay in August 2024. It wasn’t my first time away from home, but it was my first time truly alone. And the first shock, without question, was the food. I miss Zambian food dearly – its flavours, its familiarity. Family and friends come first, of course, but when it comes to everyday living, the taste of home is what hits the heart hardest. Still, the people here have been incredibly warm, and that made the adjustment easier than I expected.
Life at IIT quickly became a rhythm. Classes, workouts, self-study, football when I can, and piano whenever I get a little quiet time. I work out around five times a week, and football is the one sport that always keeps me grounded. I haven’t formally joined clubs, but I have my spaces – a friend’s apartment off-campus, and church. Those are the two places where I relax the most.
Growing through IIT: Lessons, challenges, transformation
Academically, IIT Bombay has been transformative. The faculty are some of the brightest people I have ever met, yet incredibly humble and approachable. They meet students where they are and guide them patiently – something I deeply appreciate. The campus has pushed me both academically and mentally in ways I never anticipated. I have discovered potential in myself that I did not fully recognise before coming here.
One of the biggest lessons IIT has taught me is how much your environment shapes you. When you surround yourself with people smarter than you, you grow automatically. When you don’t, you might wrongly assume you’ve already reached your limit. IIT Bombay has changed how I look at myself, my career, and my responsibility toward my country.
My stipend from ICCR covers my monthly expenses, so financial management has not been stressful. I haven’t taken up internships yet – my programme is quite intensive – but I look forward to opportunities once I graduate.
Beyond all the achievements, my days here are simple: classes in the morning, workouts, studying, football, piano, and the occasional hangout with friends. The routine keeps me focused and grounded.
Looking ahead: Returning home with purpose
As I move toward completing my programme, my goal is clear. I want to work and contribute to Zambia’s growth. My country has immense potential – what it needs now is skilled professionals who can help build its future. I do plan to return, though I am open to gaining some international experience first. Ultimately, everything I am learning here at IIT Bombay, I want to take back home.
India gave me a chance that changed my life. IIT Bombay is shaping the professional I hope to become. And Zambia remains the place where I want to make that knowledge matter.
Sitting in my second year of MTech in Civil Engineering – Construction Technology and Management at IIT Bombay, I realise that every step from Lusaka to here has been worth it. 
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