I grew up in a small town in Madhya Pradesh, where the idea of IIT is not very common. But once I got to know about the IITs, I was drawn in. I joined coaching classes, gave up playing badminton (which I had been doing professionally till Class 10), and focused entirely on preparing for JEE. The lockdown gave me a strange but quiet space to do that. When I finally made it to IIT Kanpur, I knew I wanted two things: to explore aerospace and to get back on the badminton court.

Even during the orientation week, I sneaked off to play. Between the coach and some seniors, they noticed me and got special permission for me to use the courts. That was the moment everything really started falling into place.        

Why IIT Kanpur?
Two things pulled me here. First, I was inspired by IITK alumni on YouTube - watching their experiences made this place seem like the best campus in the country. And second, I had heard about the strong sports culture, which mattered to me just as much as academics. The fact that I was interested in Aerospace made the decision easier.

Academics and Finding My Way
Apart from the novel academic life, I started with Science & Technology projects in my first year and later worked under Prof. Abhishek and Prof. Rakesh Matpal in my department. One of my most interesting experiences was during SURGE, where I worked on a project focused on stabilizing helicopter landings on ship platforms. That project became a patent and a paper for my teammate, and the experience made me realize how exciting and creative research could be.

By then, I had a decent CPI, solid research experience, and had also been very involved in sports. Seniors suggested I consider consulting. I had not thought of it before, but I gave it a shot and eventually got a BCG internship. That opened a new professional path I had not imagined at the start.

Life is in Sports
Badminton has always been central to my life here. I used to practice at 6:30 AM, balancing classes and training. By my third year, I was the captain of the IITK badminton team. We won gold at IIT BHU’s sports fest and then made history by winning gold at Inter IIT in 2023 - the first time IIT Kanpur had done so in seven years.
That win was magical. The celebration, the emotions, it is hard to describe. We even secured funding that year to install synthetic mats on our courts. Prof. Indra Shekhar, who I got connected with from the third year, supported us in everything.

A bigger experience was leading the contingent for Inter IIT in 2024, where we headed to IIT Indore for the event. Being an athlete aside, this experience honed my sense of responsibility and ownership even more. The IITK jersey, cheering with hundreds beside you, and fighting for every person on your team, it was a mesmerizing and exhilarating experience.

Council and Community
Becoming Institute Secretary of the Games and Sports Council in my fourth year was a huge responsibility. I worked closely with Prof. Gopakumar, and together we planned tournaments, also pushed for new facilities like finally installing the PS5! His support gave us the space to take bold initiatives.

I also became part of the Institute Counselling Service, which added a new dimension to my time at IITK, instilling humility. ICS is all about helping students who feel lost or disconnected. I made it a point to talk to the quieter students, understand what they were going through, and connect them with help, whether it was academics, homesickness, or just finding a friend.

Finding Balance
Managing it all - sports, studies, and counselling - was not easy. But it came down to discipline and good time management. Consistency and routine helped me keep things in sync.

That said, there were moments of burnout. The most intense period was when I was playing tournaments, organizing Antaragni events, and trying to stay on top of academics. But those moments also taught me how to stretch my limits without breaking.

A Moment That Stays With Me
One of the most meaningful memories I have was from a session I conducted for juniors in my third year. I was on stage, sharing my experiences, and midway through, I got this spontaneous round of applause. It was unexpected, but it meant the world. It made me feel seen and appreciated in a way I hadn’t expected.

Where I Belong
My favourite place on campus? That’s easy. The Hall 13 canteen. It is more than just a food spot, it is a space where I have had countless conversations, laughs, and moments of quiet reflection.

Looking back, IIT Kanpur has been more than just a campus, it has been a playground and a launchpad. It is where I discovered that I could be an athlete and an academic, a leader and a learner. This place shaped me in ways I am still coming to understand. And as I prepare for the next phase of my life, I know one thing for sure: no matter where I go, a part of me will always carry IIT Kanpur with me.