My story with IIT Kanpur began with a little accident of fate. During the final round of JOSAA counselling, I forgot to shift IIT Kanpur below IIT Kharagpur in my preferences. That oversight placed me here, in Chemistry, a branch I hadn’t particularly aimed for. But as it turns out, sometimes the best paths are the ones you don’t plan for.

Beyond the Curriculum: Building Through PORs
My real education at IIT Kanpur happened outside the classroom. From early on, I immersed myself in the campus culture - first through sports, then through positions of responsibility. I joined Udghosh in my early years, starting off as a Senior Executive and eventually becoming a Festival Coordinator, leading a team of over 300 students. Later, I also served as the Overall Coordinator for the Inter IIT Sports Meet 2024, handling operations for nearly 2,000 participants.

These roles taught me things no textbook could: how to lead under pressure, speak when it matters, and build trust through action. I used to be someone who spoke a lot without much clarity. Now, I have learned that fewer, well-timed words make the most impact.

Gaming for Good: eSports and Mental Health
One of the initiatives I am most proud of is helping lead the first tenure of the eSports Society after it was founded by our seniors. While it might seem like ‘just another gaming group,’ our mission went far deeper. Post-COVID, we saw a rising concern around gaming addiction. Our team collaborated with influencers, hosted workshops, and created awareness about managing screen time and channelling interest towards real-world opportunities in the booming eSports industry.

This year, the society was officially upgraded to a club - a meaningful recognition of what we built with care and intention.

The Toughest Test
If I had to choose the most intense challenge of my time here, it would undoubtedly be managing the Inter IIT Sports Meet’s tendering process for food services. We were responsible for feeding over 2,000 participants, referees, and staff; with government protocols, multiple bids, and a ticking clock breathing down our necks. Just days before the event, our only qualified vendor was disqualified due to a minor paperwork issue.

What followed was a mad scramble cross-campus meetings, weekend marathons and vendor negotiations. It was a logistical nightmare. But we made it work. It taught me what true resilience and crisis leadership looks like.

What’s Next: Startups, Sustainability, and Self-Belief
Coming from a Gujarati background, I have always had an entrepreneurial itch. During my 4th year, my friends and I even named a company, designed a logo, and daydreamed about building something, but never executed.

Now, I am stepping into the real world with a clearer vision which aligns with my growing interest in sustainability and the electric vehicle space. I have seen startups from the inside and know it is not just about ‘having a startup,’ but about solving real problems, with the right timing and intent.

Final Thoughts: What IITK Really Gave Me
If I had to give juniors one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t arrive at IITK with a rigid plan. Explore and let the campus surprise you.

This campus, spread across 1,100 acres, gave me that and more. I found mentors, midnight football games, high-stakes negotiations, unexpected friendships, and a version of myself I didn’t know existed.

Long after the classes, the credits, the internships, and the events fade, what remains is the community you built and the journey you chose. As I leave now, I carry more than just degrees, I carry a story of transformation that only a place like IIT Kanpur can offer.