As I prepare to graduate, I find myself reflecting on the transformative four years I have spent here — a time shaped as much by failures as by milestones, late-night deadlines or by campus-wide festivals, and academic rigor or by community and creativity.

Choosing IIT Kanpur – A Legacy Continued
My path to IIT Kanpur wasn’t driven by branch preference, in fact, Electrical Engineering wasn’t my first choice. But IITK was. My elder brother, a Y16 graduate, introduced me to the vibrant culture of the campus. I knew early on that the atmosphere here was unique. That is what pulled me in and what kept me engaged even when things got tough.

The Reality of Academics
Let me be honest: academics at IITK can be intense. My toughest moments? Exams, especially in the first year. Eventually, what IITK has taught me is how to crack the studies quicker and better. From sweating over a month to slogging one night before, I found my rhythm, and so does every student here. That said, it is truly a missed opportunity for anyone who doesn’t engage in at least one of the many vibrant extracurricular activities on campus.

Finding My Place Through Antrangni
I was an introvert before I came here. I wanted to improve on my communication skills and joined the E-Cell initially. Where I truly found my calling was in Antrangni, IIT Kanpur’s cultural festival. I started as a volunteer in my second year, inviting participants from across India - managing phone calls to logistics. In the third year, I became the coordinator for the hospitality team, managing 2,500+ guests and ensuring their stay, food, and experience were smooth.

By the fourth year, I had the privilege of serving as the Festival Coordinator. I led a team of 450 students and oversaw nine verticals — including Marketing, Finance, Publicity, and Media. The experience taught me leadership, crisis management, teamwork, and above all - ownership. Day 4 of Antrangni this year stands out as the best day of my college life. I was not just an organizer but a creator of experiences.

Balancing Passions: Gaming, Coding, and Badminton
Outside of Antrangini, I have a few passions. I am an avid gamer and spend time playing badminton, although not on a competitive level. Academically, apart from my electrical branch, I was deeply curious about computer science fundamentals, so I took electives like Cryptography under Prof. Manindra Agrawal, and explored blockchain applications.

This curiosity eventually helped me land an internship at Samsung Research, which later converted into a full-time offer as a Developer.

Overcoming A Roadblock: Internship Season
Not everything went smoothly. My lowest point was during internship season. Despite three months of preparation in Quant and Finance, I couldn’t get a single interview due to my 7.92 CPI, a humbling moment. That setback made me pivot towards coding and eventually helped me rediscover my strengths.

The Power of IITK’s Culture
What sets IIT Kanpur apart is the student-driven ecosystem. We have a structured channel of communication - student representatives directly engage with the top administration. It ensures our voices are heard and respected. This system which has been going on for generations, fosters leadership, responsibility, and initiative among students.

My Advice to Freshers
To anyone entering IIT Kanpur: academics matter, but so does community. Participate in clubs, festivals, or any activity that excites you. These experiences teach communication, collaboration, and confidence - qualities that will take you further than any grade ever could, including internships and placements.

IIT Kanpur has given me more than an education - it’s given me a sense of purpose, a family of peers, and a thousand stories. I carry all of it with pride into the next chapter of my life.