Aditi Laddha: IIT Mumbai Doing what she loves to do Aditi Laddha was always curious to know why things were the way they were. When she looked around for answers, she realised her inclination towards science. Later, she decided to make a career in the subject. Aditi is very passionate about Physics, Mathematics and programming, and her parents have never objected to her choice of subjects. Aditi believes that computer science allows her to study topics of her interest and if it happens at IIT-B, she gets a platform to study computers comprehensively. The application of computers in science fascinates Aditi. In fact, she would like to get involved in computational science, particularly, computational physics. Once she completes her BTech, she wants to pursue MTech in computational sciences and then follow it up with a PhD. Aditi believes that by working in the field of computational science she can do her bit for society.

Anagh Prasad: IIT Delhi Excellence is an ever-moving target Academic excellence is Anagh Prasad’s signature. Anagh made his family of academicians proud by getting the first rank in JEE Main 2013. Anagh’s role models are his father who is a doctor and his mother, who is an IFS officer. Since a substantial part of his education was in London, and the rest was in Ranchi, Anagh has had global exposure and an Indian experience. Anagh decided to take up Computer Science and Engineering at IIT-Delhi because it caters to his special interest in logical reasoning and programming. He also wants to pursue higher education in the same field. His aim is to be a part of Indian Administrative Services. He believes that computer technology will play a pivotal role if he becomes an IAS officer.

Harman Kumar: IIT Delhi Winning against all odds Harman Kumar has never missed the Republic Day ceremony broadcast on television mostly because of his fascination with the weaponry displayed during the parade. From wondering, as a child, how these machines were made, to deciding, as a grown-up, to design them, Harman has known that weapon technology is his calling in life. Harman’s mother initiated him into the world of Mathematics and Science with her simple explanations and activity-based methods. By the time he was in class X, he had decided that eventually he would make designing high-precision weapons his calling. Taking up computer technology is the logical step in this direction for Harman as advanced knowledge of computer science is a prerequisite for learning weapons technology. Harman values determination and diligence and believes that they will take him to success in life.

Kartikeya Gupta: IIT Delhi Striving for excellence Kartikeya Gupta belongs to a family with a strong background in science, so he was naturally drawn towards science and mathematics. In addition, he is generally curious about things and eager to learn. Introduced to computer science during programming classes at school, Kartikeya started appreciating the versatility of computers. Kartikeya worked closely with his elder brother in learning the ropes of computer science during which he was exposed to the scope and intricacies of applied mathematics. Kartikeya’s long-term goal is to do research and earn a doctorate. He believes that pursuing PhD in his chosen field will allow him to excel in the field of technology. Kartikeya believes that passion for excellence can maximise his potential.

Kavin S: IIT Madras Helping himself to help his parents Young Kavin Kumar S knows exactly why he wants to pursue Engineering. To outsiders, Kavin’s father is a farmer and his mother a housewife. But for Kavin, his father is someone who sacrificed his own needs to give his son a good education and his mother is his motivational guru and a counselor. Kavin wants to study engineering to help these two people in his life. The second reason why Kavin wants to study Engineering is because he wants to develop software that makes it easier for people do things. Kavin also firmly believes in equality and fairness - so much so that he refused to use the OBC quota when he did not get admission to IIT-Bombay on merit. IIT-B is considered the best for computer science and Kavin could have studied there had he applied through the OBC quota. He did not, because he thought it would be unfair to other OBC students. Instead, he stuck to IIT-Madras.

Kumar Sambhava: IIT Delhi Machines are his first love Born and raised in Jamshedpur, Kumar Sambhava has been familiar with the hum of machines for as long as he can recall. He developed an innate curiosity towards the workings of a machine. Leading him in this quest for knowledge on machines was his father, a mechanical engineer. Today, Kumar Sambhava not only wants to learn but he has firmly decided that he wants to use mechanical engineering for the betterment of his country. He wants to design and build affordable and effective machines that will help people. Kumar already has a design for a machine that will enable the disabled to climb stairs. He wants to develop that machine going forward. He has taken the first step in this journey by joining the mechanical engineering course at IIT-Delhi.

Mohit Chhajed: IIT Guwahati Giving his best at all times Computers and gadgets are close to Mohit Chajjed’s heart. Mohit was introduced to computers at the age of eleven. He started with making logos, moved to designing and editing, but it was programming that caught his fancy. Mohit was never taught programming in school, but he was keenly interested. So, he took to books on programming and started experimenting on his personal computer. He decided to take up computer science in graduation, when he was told about IITs. Mohit put his heart and soul in preparation and did get into IIT-Guwahati. Post graduation, he wants to do research in computers and robotic programming and add an MTech degree to his resume.

Priyangshu Goswami: IIT Kanpur Taking responsibility for his decisions Priyangshu Goswami has always had a curious mind. Laboratories have intrigued him and he has read extensively on science since his childhood. By the time he was in standard IX, he knew his calling was science. At IIT-Kanpur, Priyanshu’s subject of choice was a BS in Physics. Post completion, he wants to pursue higher studies in a field of his choice. Priyangshu thinks independently and takes his own decision. He is not a conformist and ensures that he knows why he does whatever he does. For instance, after he cleared JEE, Priyangshu’s friends asked him to join BTech in computer science. He was, however, interested in Physics, and he stuck to his guns. At the same time, Priyangshu does not disregard others’ advices and opinions. He likes to exchange views, but the ultimate decision is always his. He believes that freedom of choice comes with a responsibility. He thanks his parents for inculcating these values in him.

Ravichandra Addanki: IIT Mumbai Putting logic to good use Ravichandra Addanki likes to questions things around him. He enjoys science and is fascinated by logic. He has decided to take up engineering so that he can use logic to create something useful. Ravi’s objective of studying engineering at IIT-B is to be able to design any kind of computer programme that he wants. Ravichandra is a self-motivated person who believes he has an innate skill of being able to convince people. He wants to establish an Indian enterprise that makes computer hardware and software. Ravichandra takes keen interest in psychology; analysing people’s behavior is his hobby. He believes that as an entrepreneur he can utilise this quality to understand people working with him. Going forward, Ravichandra aims to set up a company that makes world-class computer software and hardware. He wants to make India self-sufficient in its computing needs. He also wants to make software and hardware affordable to every Indian.

Riya Bubna: IIT Kharagpur Choosing her life Riya Bubna was born in a conservative family, and not many in her family are educated. Yet, she understood the importance of education early in her life and decided to pursue it seriously. Riya’s interests are Mathematics and Science which is why she chose to go for Engineering. Once she’s out of IIT-K, Riya will take the Civil Services examinations and enter administrative services. Riya is pained by the state of politics and economy in India and wants to do something to improve it instead of complaining about it. Riya has made independent choices in life, be it for her studies or extracurricular interests. She takes pride in the fact that in spite of not having educated people around her, she has managed to make it to IIT-K. Her success has bolstered her confidence to set higher goals in life and achieve them.

Sachin Aggarwal: IIT Roorkee Because nothing works better than hard work Dedication and passion define Sachin Aggarwal. This IIT-Roorkee student comes from a family of little means and education. Struggling through scant resources, Sachin realised that his only recourse was to study hard and open avenues for himself. He loved computers and decided to build his career on them. With absolutely no one to guide him in his pursuit, Sachin was not even aware that institutions such as IITs existed. When he finally came to know about them, he joined a coaching class – but not before he had secured a 60% scholarship. To cover the rest, he gave tuitions in the mornings and evenings, took JEE coaching in the afternoon and studied at night. Sachin has no other aim now apart from becoming a highly-qualified engineer. He wants to study MTech and PhD post graduation, but for that he wants to take up a job and save money. And there are only three things that he is banking on to achieve his goals – dedication, confidence, and optimism.

Sai Varun Reddy Maram: IIT Roorkee

Vishal Sethi: IIT Roorkee