I joined IIT Kanpur as an Aerospace Engineering student, driven by a love for physics and a fascination with how things move — in the air, on the ground, or across time. But my actual journey? It’s been far more layered. Here’s how it all unfolded.

Love for Motorsport – a Happy Accident 
I joined IITK Motorsports in the 2nd year—by accident. A senior asked for graphic design help, and I ended up being mistaken for a technical recruit. I took on the challenge anyway. That happy mishap led me to co-build IITK’s first electric vehicle with 13 batchmates who were equally interested in understanding the automotive development cycle. We grew into a 40+ member team driven by a passion for EV innovation. What started as design work turned into a deep dive into automotive engineering, and eventually led me to find my career path.

Navigating Leadership in IITK’s Tech Ecosystem 
As the Deputy Contingent Leader for the Inter-IIT Tech Meet, I got my first high-stakes managerial experience - leading a large contingent, chasing deadlines, and seeing an event through end-to-end. It was a shift from the technical work I did in Motorsports. What’s great about the SnT Council is the autonomy it offers. Clubs focus on campus engagement with freedom to design their own projects, while teams like ours target national/international competitions, managing both technology and funding independently.

No Applications Allowed? Apply Anyway 
When JLR opened internship roles, Aerospace students weren’t eligible, but I didn’t take no for an answer. I reached out to a senior who had interned there, who spoke to the hiring manager, and within a day, we were allowed to apply. I gave my interview in between prepping teammates, and pulling all-nighters at Takneek, our 24-hour tech fest. Mid-event, I got the call: “You’re selected for JLR.” I said yes quietly and got back to work. Sometimes, all it takes is asking.

Behind the Scenes: Life, Routines & "Kholna" 
Outside labs and deadlines, campus life gave me space to grow in quieter ways.

I played badminton every morning - sometimes with professors, sometimes with friends. That one hour of physical movement helped me focus during the most intense weeks. I also love to read.

I also cherish a unique but meaningful IITK tradition: “Kholna.” It’s a memorized, rhythmic self-introduction in Hindi used when meeting seniors. Equal parts performance, respect, and rite of passage. It reminded me that even the smallest traditions can create belonging.

Reflection: From Introvert to Challenger 
Four years ago, I was a quiet and introverted student who had changed schools frequently and hadn’t quite found my place. IIT Kanpur changed that completely. Here I learned that the more I interact with people, it enables me to not just collaborate or lead, but also see myself grow with them.

Here, I learned to lead, to collaborate, to ask for help, and to create opportunities — even if they weren’t originally meant for me.

And the biggest takeaway? 
Driving myself through challenges. This mindset carried me from Aerospace into Automotive. And it’s the mindset I’ll carry forward as I begin my professional journey.