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.
