The Preparatory semester was light on course work and a perfect time for us to interact and get to know others. A few were shy, a few were outspoken.. And a few like me were hyper-active. And this perfect mix makes us one of the special batches of IIITB. There were times when we celebrated events together.. Times when we showed how we could remain each other's strength and get out the best in others..Times when there was always someone to put up their hand to help in the interest of the batch..I am sure each of us would miss those times.
The SAC journey was one of the best things that happened to me here. Right from the journey of making those 157 friendship day cards till today, the responsibilities of the team were both serious and fun filled. I have lost the count of the number of meetings we had to attend irrespective of whether we had a test the next day or no. The fun of organizing events right from Freshers to Convocation, the privileges of interacting with so many people in the process, the burden to being sandwiched between the batch and the management when a serious problem came up..These have all been enriching experiences that have moulded me into being a part of who I am today.
I still remember SAC members having a discussion in Director Sir's room asking for a basketball court over their decision of having a tennis court. In around two months time, we had basketball courts and there was no looking back after that. I have played some of the best games in that court with people here. Life has always been better while playing Basketball. There were times when playing the game was like an anti-depressant after stressful work life here. And in the process, I met and made new friends. No talk in IIITB about Sports is complete without Spandan. Organizing it was certainly one of the toughest tasks I've done here. But the joy in that pain is priceless. The spirit of sports of IIITB is best portrayed in those three days every year. I just hope I can come back each year and play some good games like how I got to do in the past two years.
The classes at MCR have given each of us memories..The words of some of the faculty here will keep ringing in our years for a long time, and this special day was something we were waiting for since two years. I still remember fretting over low grades after my first test here. And a few of my friends told me how important it is to win in life and not these tests. After that I really got a new perspective to things and in the process realised what my true strengths are. As Modi says, let's see the glass as half filled with water and half filled with air instead of saying it's half empty.
There were times that many of us went through where we felt we just cannot take this pressure anymore. May be studying at IIITB is a really tough ask. But once we learnt to build resistence to the work life here, take a few knocks, some disappointments and get over all of that, we realised the fun of taking up this challenge. We now know that when encountered with any problem in life, we can expect to see some light at the end of the tunnel. And today if we look back to those stressful times, all we can do is give ourself a pat on the back smiling and feel proud about accepting the challenge.
One of the greatest highlights for me about this place is the people. Right from the security here to the house keeping staff to the management, I have had the privilege to know and talk to these people personally. Clearing their small operating-the-internet doubts to making a few talk in English, to talking to them about their family back home are few of my achivements here and the happiness that gives me is much more valuable than the marks that we are credited here for. I have always said it is people who make this place so warm and special and yes, I have met some of the most wonderful people here who have come from various walks of life.
People say the campus is small but sometimes the beauty in small things are the best. I have learnt to appreciate nature to the fullest after my stay here. The early morning sunrise during morning walks, the moon right above our heads when we are taking walks around the campus with friends after a hectic day at work, the ducks which have sadly reduced in number..I remember playing with the rabbits one day when one of the care takers agreed to hand it over to us for a few mins.. The rainy days, the lawn, the pond and the memories that come with it will always remain special.The sudden bursts of inspiration from someone or the other, meeting some celebrities like Harsha Bhogle, Bombay Jayshree and others face-to-face, 101 complaints addressed to SAC for which we could not do anything, going on some amazing trips, attending classes with iMtechs who are 4 years junior to me and getting to be a kid like them, when with them, visiting another country, the awesome learning about technology and life at large in these two years are just like cherry to the pie.
The journey would not have been this easy for me without my family who were so supportive in all that I did or planned to do and my friends who were my parachute, ensuring that I am always flying.
Quoting a thought, "Today's achievements may fade or even be forgotten. The applause may become a distant memory and your certificates and medals may gather dust on a shelf or in a drawer. But, you will always be remembered for caring enough, for helping someone, for making someone feel special and appreciated and for being the kind of person that others enjoy spending time with. "
Today, as we bid goodbye to this place and the people here with heavy hearts, with high hopes, and with deep sense of humility, gratitude and gratefulness in our hearts.I am sure we will keep our Alma Mater's flag flying high. To you, Au revoir...Goodbye till we meet again.
