Though most of my peers opted for traditional engineering disciplines, I decided to step away from the obvious path for a decent JEE ranker and chose to pursue Economic Sciences at IIT Kanpur. For me, economics felt like a field still unfolding, a space where I could grow with it, shape it in my own way, and not just follow a template.

Four years in, I can say that that decision gave me something rare - freedom. The kind of freedom that lets you carve your own curriculum, dive into interdisciplinary interests, and even question if your chosen path is truly yours. In our department, it is okay to pivot, to explore stats and ML, or even step away from economics altogether, something many of my batchmates have done with great success.

But academics are only one part of the IITK experience.

The Gymkhana: Where the Campus Breathes
At IITK, life isn’t about textbooks alone. The Gymkhana, our vibrant student community, gave me something irreplaceable: identity, camaraderie, and purpose. We literally live our college here, and with a legacy of 60-plus years, this culture is completely ingrained in the DNA of this place. From day one, various aspects like inter-hostel competitions expose every student to culture, tech, and sports, helping us find where we belong.

I found my voice in the Student Senate and other leadership roles, working to bridge student concerns with administration. Balancing expectations and diplomacy is not always easy, but what works here is very straightforward and fundamental: let logic prevail. This mantra has helped resolve more conflicts and win more arguments than any loud protest could.

I was lucky to have strong mentors from my hostel (shout-out to Hall 5), seniors who helped me see what could be, not just what is. This carved my path to getting elected into a leadership position. And as I moved forward, I have tried to do the same for juniors, simply by being someone who listens. Emotional and professional support is what is the beauty of the community culture.

The GC Spirit: Hard to Describe, Impossible to Forget
If there is one experience I would want every student to go through, it is the General Championship (GC). Imagine 40+ people spending a month preparing for a single activity, be it a dance or dramatics performance, not for fame or reward, but for each other. There is no tangible incentive, just a collective will. The friendships forged during GC are deeper than anything I have known.

A Word on Academics
Yes, academics are important, but they are also yours to own. No one here will spoon-feed you. Your journey is personal. I have seen brilliant minds stumble simply because they didn’t take charge of their own learning. That realization is harsh but necessary. So, every individual has to take charge of their academics.

That said, the stats courses I took, especially those integrating machine learning, ignited a passion I never expected. I am now minoring in ML, blending my love for numbers with real-world applications.

Looking Ahead
When asked about the future, I try to stay honest. I don't have a corporate blueprint. My ambition is simple - to make a meaningful contribution to India. Whether it’s through policy, data, or social reform, I want to be part of something bigger. I don't know what job or title that will take, but I know it will be rooted in impact.

Final Thought: Kanpur Life Is What You Make of It
While many may hesitate to choose IITK because Kanpur is not a glamorous city, but the truth is that the life inside this campus is better than any nightlife outside. It is immersive, intense, and deeply human. Once you are here, you realize that this place builds more than engineers or economists. It builds people.

To anyone joining soon: come with curiosity. Come ready to shape your own story. And maybe, just maybe, you will leave not only with a degree, but with a purpose.