— Sai Kireeti Itha From a young age, my curiosity for numbers and reactions – the beauty of equations, the logic behind chemical processes, and the way everything in the universe seemed to fit together like a puzzle – was immense. My love for mathematics and chemistry was clear during my Class 11 and 12 and it was then that I decided to pursue chemical engineering. But as fate would have it, my dream of joining the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) did not come true during my bachelor’s. I completed my BTech in chemical engineering from SASTRA Deemed University in Tamil Nadu, but deep inside, I still longed to be part of the IIT ecosystem. That’s when life gave me a second chance – an opportunity to work at IIT Bombay through a research internship award offered by the institute. For the first time, I got a glimpse of what it truly meant to be at an IIT. The vibrant atmosphere, the cutting-edge research, and the way people around me carried an undying passion for learning – it all inspired me immensely. I knew I had to give my dream another shot, this time for my master’s degree. My roots: A family that inspired me I come from Kurnool, a city in Andhra Pradesh. Growing up in an environment surrounded by agricultural fields and the serene Tungabhadra River shaped my personality in many ways. My father, Lakshmi Narayana Setty, is a government school teacher, and my mother, Nagamani, is a homemaker. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in me laid the foundation of my aspirations. I wanted to make them proud, and I knew that achieving something as challenging as IIT would bring them immense joy. The road to IIT: GATE 2022 I first attempted GATE in 2022, but I wasn’t able to clear it. Instead of being discouraged, this failure fuelled my determination. I worked harder, learning from my mistakes, focusing on my weaknesses, and improving my accuracy. I practiced previous years’ question papers religiously and took mock tests with my friend. These intense preparation sessions helped me build both confidence and time management skills. In GATE 2023, I secured an AIR 301, and it was a moment of pure triumph. I had finally earned my place at IIT Delhi for an MTech in chemical engineering. Life at IIT Delhi: Struggles, friendships and growth Coming to IIT Delhi in July 2023 was a big change. Though I had lived in hostels since Class 11, adapting to the northern climate, culture, and especially the food took some time. In Andhra, potatoes are an occasional side dish, but here in the PG mess, they are a staple. It was tough at first, but I eventually got used to it. Friends made everything easier. We bonded over late-night table tennis matches, struggled through assignments together, and celebrated our victories – big or small. One of my fondest memories is the night we all secured placements. The sheer joy, relief, and sense of accomplishment we shared that night is something I will never forget. Balancing academics and extracurriculars The first year of MTech was rigorous, with packed schedules and long hours in the library. But as I settled in, I wanted to be involved in more than just academics. I joined the Office of Career Services – Placement Cell, as well as the Telugu community group, where we organised events and found a little piece of home within IIT Delhi. The faculty here is beyond inspiring. The dedication of professors, their passion for teaching, and their constant encouragement have shaped me in ways I never imagined. IIT taught me humility, resilience, and the ability to embrace failures as stepping stones. Apart from academics, I found joy in simple moments – hanging out at the night canteens with friends, enjoying tandoori paneer paratha and a cup of tandoori chai, and strolling across the campus during the crisp winter months. These walks, filled with endless conversations and laughter, are some of the memories I will cherish forever. I also developed a deep love for sports. Table tennis (TT), badminton, and pool became my stress busters. Whenever the academic pressure became overwhelming, a quick game of TT helped me regain my focus. Managing life and expenses As an MTech student, I received a monthly stipend of Rs 12,400 through a teaching assistantship. Though it is not a large sum, it helped me become financially independent, covering my PG and food expenses. Occasionally, I practiced intermittent fasting, partly as a cost-saving measure, but mostly as a way to stay disciplined. IIT Delhi has been more than just an institute for me – it has been a transformative experience. It has taught me perseverance, given me friendships that will last a lifetime, and, most importantly, fulfilled my dream of becoming an IITian. There’s nothing I would change about my journey. The struggles, the failures, the triumphs – each moment has been invaluable. And as I stand at the threshold of my future, I know that the years spent here have prepared me for whatever lies ahead.
