Life in an IIT | Student with muscular dystrophy ready to take on any new challenge that comes her way

I enrolled for my BTech at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNUTH). I graduated in 2022. After my BTech, I dedicated a year to preparing for the GATE examination. In 2023, I joined the MTech Data Sciences batch at IIT Guwahati after qualifying for GATE in computer science. I am in my first year now.

I was in school when my muscles started to feel weak and my parents and I were unable to figure out what was wrong with me. We went to the doctor, and he asked us to get some tests done, the reports of which came normal. But I told him that I felt weak and low on energy, the doctor then performed some more tests and concluded that I have muscular dystrophy.

It took my parents some time to accept the fact that my health would deteriorate over time. As far as I am concerned, I am still trying to accept my condition.

I stopped going to family functions because people there including my relatives would feel pity for me, say things that would hurt me, or just react in a way that felt so demeaning.

My journey in engineering started after Class 12 when my fascination for technology developed, and I enrolled in JNTUH.

Initial struggle at IIT Guwahati

I am from Hyderabad. Although I was staying in a hostel at JNTUH, my parents were nearby. But that is not the case in IIT Guwahati. However, the dean, faculty, staff, and my classmates have never disappointed me. The dean has always been very supportive from the beginning of my stay here at the campus.

The food at the campus mess is entirely different from what we get in my home state. It took me some time to adjust but the mess here has options for students with preferences for different palates.

What my day looks like

My day usually begins early in the morning with breakfast, followed by classes from 8 am. Then I return to the hostel for lunch and go back for the remaining classes, if there are any. Once the classes are over, I come back to my room and either relax or study.

I generally do not hang out with friends because I was bullied owing to my condition during my childhood. I usually prefer attending workshops or enjoying my own company during my free time at IIT Guwahati.

Life in IIT Guwahati

IIT Guwahati has transformed my life not only academically but I have also grown as a person here. The competitive environment makes me stay resolute in my pursuit of a fulfilling life. I aim to establish a startup in the field of Data Science.

I have realised that happiness is not just limited to health and wealth, it is also about embracing difficult situations and then moving ahead.

IIT Guwahati has transformed my life by greatly boosting my confidence. The vibrant learning environment encourages continuous growth, with each interaction providing valuable insights. From the very first day, Director Parameswar K Iyer’s words on ‘the diverse talents present among us’ resonated with me. Surrounded by such talented peers and faculty members, I have emerged as a more self-assured individual, ready to take on any new challenge that comes my way.