While there are several things that I miss about my college days, I would like to share some of them here in this blog.
First and foremost I will never forget the cooperative nature of the facilities. I must admit there is much more than just teaching while you are surrounded by people like Saurabh and Ankit Sir and that is feeling of belongingness. I never hesitated to discuss any topic whether related to studies or off the shelf with them. Every time they were ready to guide me in the right direction. Apart from academics, one learns a lot of things that I could appreciate in my life. To quote there were instances when Saurabh Sir used to tell us certain things regarding life which helped in building a strong character throughout life.
Probably I may consider myself the right fit here to discuss how Saurabh and Ankit sir used to show the concern about the problems pertaining to the students to me. This shows they took their work more than just a job and rather undoubtedly as a moral obligation towards the enrichment of young minds. They had supported me always whatever may be the occasion. I still remember we wanted to have lab space for my research work regarding unmanned aerial vehicles, for which Dr. Saurabh arranged an underground lab space for us by discussing with Director Sir. Which eventually helped us build and test our own remote control vehicle. I am highly obliged to them for the efforts.
For those who don’t know I had joined the college in the Department of Information Technology, I met some of the most admiring teachers in my sophomore year. I am in regular contact with most of them till now. They motivated me to write the exam and get an up-gradation henceforth after 2nd sem, I got upgraded to the Computer Science Department. The experience I would be sharing now still makes me feel lucky for the decision I took to join this college. Whenever there were some free slots available in the schedule of the CS department I used to go to the IT department and attend the classes there. There was zero reluctance by the teachers. I would like to commend the extra effort each faculty puts in shaping the character of students. There was always a bond that we as students shared with the teachers. Which couldn’t be shattered, come what may? It is very bond due to which we are still in touch with them, being in the different walks of life today. I still share all the happenings with them and take their advice.
I could say words of praise for the umpteenth time if one asks me about the role my teachers played informing as a student with a character of utmost integrity and shaping me into a responsible citizen. I would like to owe my success to all of the teachers who guided me while I needed their support the most. Whenever I play badminton today it automatically reminds me of how Dr. Sourabh used to encourage us to play badminton with them. There were several teachers like Ishani Ma’am, Garima Ma’am, Tanuja Ma’am, Amrita Ma’am, Nisha Ma’am Uma Tomar Ma’am who considered me as their own child and took stand for me whenever needed. I will remain indebted to the love, care and support they have shown to me throughout my struggles. The impeccable wisdom of the faculty and tolerance towards our mistakes make me pay even more respect to them.
There were celebrations at events like annual sports meet, INNOVIZ (technical fest), DJ nights, those stages show including dance competitions, magic shows and whatnot. I feel nostalgic when I remember those days. Oh! those were the days, it felt every day if I was just leaving my home to meet my extended family. It was so much fun and learning. Everyone used to praise my efforts in research work. Those tech summits I could never forget, which helped in honing my technical skills. I still miss when I used to tease Uma Tomar ma’am in between class and she used to smile and let go as if nothing has happened. I miss the beautiful lush green campus where there used to come parrots in the morning.
I miss talking to the caretaker of the sports room. I used to give him lift while going back home on my bike. I miss the extra classes I used to give to the children of our supporting staff on college premises as part of NSS. I miss the time spent in the canteen and gossips I used to do with my friends there. I will never forget the Amphi open-air theatre where we used to enjoy various competitions like dancing, singing, solo and group acts, etc. I will always miss the humble staff who used to work as security guards, we used to have a very casual and lovely conversation with them. The way they used to say “Namastey” to us was adorable at all times. I remember that photocopy shop and how we were asked to maintain silence while collecting the essentials. I miss my days in the library the most. I must thank the lab staff for maintaining the lab as per the standards. I miss all of it, till date. The single most important take away from my college days is fearlessness which has been imbibed within me by sheer guidance and support by my mentors.
If I would be allowed to relive all those moments, I would choose to live them with the same faculties and friends again and again in an endless loop. I know they are always with me and I could reach out to them whenever I want.
Rishabh Vashistha,
Project Associate,
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
IIT Madras
Co-Founder,
Rodella Technologies Pvt, Ltd.
Please refer to my recent blog to know more about me here.
https://nofrillsacademy.com/road-to-rodella-the-inspiring-story-of-rishabh-vashistha.html