‘Grounded like Dhoni, driven to make a difference in my own small way'

Indian Express

27-07-2025

— Shivam Kumar Sah
Since childhood, I had this habit of breaking gadgets at home – not to destroy them, but to peek inside and understand how they worked. Compact Disc players, motors, toys – anything mechanical fascinated me. Maybe that curiosity was the earliest sign that I'd end up becoming an engineer. I used to watch the Discovery Channel, try building small things at home, and mess around with motors. The idea of engineering took root early. But the turning point came in Class 9, when my dad took me to the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati). It was love at first sight – the campus, the energy, the vibe. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be in an IIT.
I began my Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) preparation in 2021, right in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdowns, after my Class 10 exams. Everything was online, and it was hard to stay motivated. Without physical classrooms or peer interaction, I couldn't measure where I stood. That lack of healthy competition made me complacent, and honestly, Class 11 just slipped by.
Things changed in Class 12, when offline coaching resumed. Being surrounded by hardworking friends reminded me that I had to pull up my socks. I started staying longer at the coaching centre, studying with peers, and slowly, the rhythm returned. With a lot of effort, support from teachers, blessings from my parents, and God's grace — I made it. Not exactly the way I dreamed, but I ticked that first big box.
I appeared for JEE Main and Advanced in 2023, securing an All India Rank of 13,846 at JEE Advanced. It was my first attempt. I initially got Industrial Chemistry at IIT BHU, but I later changed my branch in the first semester to Mechanical Engineering, which was much closer to my interests. My dream was, however, always to pursue Aerospace, but I am happy with Mechanical – it is still about building things, solving problems, and creating real-world systems.
I stepped into IIT BHU Varanasi in 2023. My parents dropped me off at the hostel. I was emotional, even scared – but that changed in a few days. Because hostels are like a wild jungle full of fearless people. You meet all kinds – the kind you've never imagined, and yet, they feel like family so quickly.
In the first month, we didn't study much. We just roamed every inch of the campus, laughed, got lost, found ourselves again, and discovered our own spaces. That's how adjusting became easy – because we were all new, all figuring things out together. Fests, events, and random conversations made friendships blossom.
Mess food isn't like home-cooked food, of course. But eating it with your second family – your friends – slowly made it better. We used to joke, complain, experiment with snacks – that's how bonding happens.
I love staying engaged, so I joined various clubs and cells. I got into the Robotics and Programming Clubs, and now I'm an active member of the Training and Placement Cell of IIT Banaras Hindu University (BHU). I believe in staying busy – when I'm idle, I feel unproductive. Taking responsibility, working with teams, building things – it keeps me motivated.
Balancing academics and clubs wasn't too hard. I made it a point to attend classes regularly, which helped me understand concepts and reduce last-minute pressure. A few weeks before exams, I'd buckle down. The rest of the time? I'd be building bots, organising fests, or chilling with friends.
IIT isn't just about studying. You really live life here. Every weekend brings something – a fest, a hackathon, a guest lecture. And, most importantly, you're surrounded by people who motivate you to do better – not by pushing you down, but by growing together.
Being at IIT has transformed me. I used to depend on my mom for everything. Now I manage my own routine, my own mess, my own setbacks. I've developed a more serious, grounded perspective on life. And through it all, I still hold on to one of M S Dhoni's quotes that has stuck with me: 'I want to be remembered more as a good human being than a good cricketer.'
That's how I want to live – not just as a good engineer, but as a good human being. I've learned that you don't need to be the best at everything, but you should always believe – till the very last second. That belief has carried me across the line more times than talent alone ever could.
My days are a mix of classes, tea breaks at Limbdi Corner, samosa with friends, and long walks around the Vishwanath Temple. Sometimes we go to the ghats of Varanasi, especially at night – the spiritual energy of the city is unmatched. I spend time in club rooms, working on robotics projects or prepping for events. I love this hands-on energy – it keeps me grounded.
The teachers at IIT BHU are incredible. They're helpful, responsive, and some of them treat you like family. I still remember going to a professor's home on Bihu – he was from Guwahati too, and that evening felt like a warm slice of home. We were treated to traditional food, laughter, and care – something I'll never forget.
I manage my expenses through a mix of sources – I've won a few competitions, done an internship, and, of course, my parents support me monthly.
I still love playing cricket, and nowadays I've developed a liking for late-night badminton sessions with friends. It's refreshing after a long day.
And yes, I write poems. It's something that calms me. A private space where I can reflect, imagine, and express what I don't say out loud. I hope I keep writing as life goes on.
Also, I have a strong interest in politics – who knows, maybe one day I'll explore that field too. After all, engineers have become politicians before.
What I miss the most about Guwahati isn't just the food or the weather – it's the people. My parents, my school friends, my teachers, the entire environment. I miss those early morning cricket matches during vacations – playing with a carefree mind, without any worry about the future.
To be honest, I'm still exploring. I'm deeply interested in the evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and I hope to work in a space that blends AI and engineering to solve meaningful, real-world problems.
But, more importantly, whatever I do, I want it to be connected to the common people. I strongly believe in giving back to society – whether it's through tech, service, or something else. I want to create something or contribute in a way that makes life a little better for someone else.
And if life takes me in a different direction – maybe even into public service or politics – I won't mind, as long as it's driven by purpose. What matters most to me is being useful, staying grounded, and making a difference in my own small way.
Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More