Madness: My Valedictory Speech

I still remember the first day I came into the campus. Through the cluttered Mumbai roads and rains I couldn't hide my disappointment at seeing the "unwelcoming" gates of the campus and the chaos outside of it. But once inside, my expression changed completely. All the greenery was too good for my poor-eyesight. The Kresit building, hostel 11, Powai Lake, the temple, Sameer Hill, the lanes and the quiet... everything seemed so welcoming. This was to be my home for the next 2 years, and I was looking forward to it.

And now as I stand here, with just two weeks more for this journey to end (If I graduate this year, hopefully :P). Just two more weeks of college life for most of us, I can definitely say the time here has made us strive to achieve our potentials, and has left some amazing memories.

Einstein once said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.” What will we remember about IIT Bombay in two weeks, after forgetting all about Networks, Graphics or... ITPM?
Seniors, Juniors, Batch-mates - Friends.

Friends from all parts of India with their peculiar accents - Learning Khyamadema, ami jol khaabe... Vedi Mulgi aahe re... Inge po, Inge wa.. was a lot of fun! In the beginning there was a common joke on the names of our classmates... Malani, Nihilani, Rajwani, Gokani, Chhatani, Patani... kaise kaise naam waale students hain... par kuchh bhi kaho... sab ke sab studd hain yaar! No wonder then that I experienced apprehension and self-doubt looking around, but this was gradually replaced with a confidence and a quite resolve as I became acclimated to IIT B. I learned a lot from the other students. My respect and appreciation for them rapidly increased as I became more aware of the numerous bonds we had in common. I also made several friendships along the way that will hopefully last a lifetime. So much so that now its hard to believe that these same crazy people are going to be professionals in world's top companies!

We will also remember the most important pillars of the institute, our Professors. It is said - to err is human, to forgive is divine. But now there's a better version of it - to err is human and to really foul things up needs a computer. And trust a Computer Science Engineer to do just that. Who will understand this better than our teachers. They inspire, hold our hands, forgive, forget and guide us through our difficult times. They are like Petrol Pumps, (given the price hike, this seems even more relevant now) - we stop momentarily at their doorstep, and they, having filled our knowledge tank with vision and confidence, wave us off to a fulfilling journey called life.

Oh yes, I’m reminded of yet another version that I cooked up: To err is Student, to forgive Guide. And I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Pushpak Bhattacharyya for being my mentor and for guiding me throughout my two years. I am also thankful to the entire CSE Faculty for the immense inspiration they have been to all of us here.

We may have disappointed you many times, but leaving the institute we do realize that we carry with us a burden, a Privileged responsibility of being an IIT Alumnus. And all of us here hope to give our best to everything we do in our life ahead and make IIT Bombay proud of us.

And lastly we’d always remember the time spent here at IIT Bombay. From First semester - with the stress of not being able to work enough when you know you Have to, to the Last semester – with the stress of trying to work when you know you don't want to. Birthdays, friendship days, Traditonal days, Department trips, Class trips, and numerous treats. PG Sports, PG Cult, GRA, India winning world cup, KPL, Night outs, meeting strict deadlines, apology letters for coming late to the networks class, trying not to doze off in some other class. And of course getting 'First Zeroes'.

Jokes apart, through the failures and achievements here, I have learnt how to believe in myself. How to not be worried too much in times of failures. And how to remain humble during the high times. In short, how to handle failures objectively and take success subjectively. And in this the college has provided a stimulating, caring, and a very supportive environment.

In fact, following lines may just well sum up what I want to say:

With each passing hour the desire escalates

with each passing day the strivers yearn

Don't want this rigour to cease at all

Don't want an end to this sojourn.

And even as we have to leave

With cherished memories and self-belief

Where-ever we are, we’d always be proud to say

My alma mater? IIT Bombay.

As this beautiful journey ends and we go our separate ways, I'd like to say:

Do what your heart desires. Find the path to your true happiness. Even if it means taking the "road less travelled".

Rise, Shine and always be in your pursuit of happiness.