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Economic Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
AIR 6 in JEE, IIT Delhi graduate and IAS officer at 21; he left It all for music: Meet classical singer Kashish Mittal
A Melody Rooted in Memory The Call of Public Service and the Pull of Passion Resignation That Made Headlines You Might Also Like: Retired IAS officer gives reasons why middle-class life in 2025 is better than in the 1970s In a country where cracking the UPSC exam is seen as the pinnacle of achievement, Kashish Mittal had it all figured out early. An IIT Delhi graduate with an All India Rank of 6 in JEE and a successful stint in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Mittal was considered a prodigy. But in 2019, just nine years into his bureaucratic career, he stunned many by resigning from the coveted service. His reason? A lifelong devotion to Hindustani classical music Now, far from the bureaucratic corridors of Delhi, Mittal is often found on stage performing Khayal gayaki from the Agra Gharana , the very genre he fell in love with as a in Jalandhar in 1989 to IPS officer Jagdish Kumar and Sangeeta Mittal, music was part of Kashish's DNA. He began his formal training in Hindustani classical music at the tender age of eight. By eleven, he was already performing at Punjab's prestigious Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan.'My music journey began even before my IAS journey was imagined,' Mittal shared in a feature with Indian Masterminds. 'Even during my school and IIT years, I never let go of music—it was always there, a quiet force pulling me in.'His training later deepened under the guru-shishya parampara with maestro Pandit Yashpaul, from whom he imbibed the nuances of Agra Gharana's traditional Khayal gayaki. Recognised today as an 'A Grade' artiste by All India Radio and Doordarshan, and as an 'Established Artiste' by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Mittal has performed at numerous festivals across by his IPS father, Mittal pursued civil services after completing in Computer Science from IIT Delhi. He cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt and joined the IAS at just roles were as prestigious as his academic record. He served as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, and later, as Additional Principal Secretary at NITI Aayog during his central deputation. But despite the accolades and authority, music remained his true anchor.'I tried balancing both,' he admitted, 'but classical music is not a side pursuit—it demands surrender.'In 2019, soon after a transfer to Arunachal Pradesh, Mittal formally stepped away from his bureaucratic post to fully embrace music. The news made waves, but his decision reflected clarity, not conflict. 'An art like this is an eternal journey. You need to give it the respect it deserves,' he followed was not just a revival of a musical career, but a renewed sense of purpose. From Sufi renditions to semi-classical performances, his soulful voice began resonating beyond traditional stages—on social media as Mittal broke the internet with a soul-stirring rendition of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 's Unke Andaz-e-Karam. Seated casually on a sofa, surrounded by friends, his impromptu performance garnered nearly 3 million views on Instagram. The caption read: 'Woh bhi apne na hue, dil bhi gaya haathon se'—words that struck a chord with viewers as deeply as the song response was overwhelming. 'You, sir, are a gem,' one user commented. Another wrote, 'Even after IIT AIR 6 and IAS, you're still following your passion. Truly motivating.'Mittal's contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was conferred with the Punjab State Award for Art and Culture (2007), Saraswati Samman by IIT Delhi (2010), and the Naad Shri Samman (2018) for his excellence in Hindustani classical music. He also holds several national scholarships, including the prestigious NTSE and CCRT fellowships.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
AIR 6 in JEE, IIT Delhi graduate and IAS officer at 21; he left It all for music: Meet classical singer Kashish Mittal
A Melody Rooted in Memory The Call of Public Service and the Pull of Passion Resignation That Made Headlines You Might Also Like: Retired IAS officer gives reasons why middle-class life in 2025 is better than in the 1970s In a country where cracking the UPSC exam is seen as the pinnacle of achievement, Kashish Mittal had it all figured out early. An IIT Delhi graduate with an All India Rank of 6 in JEE and a successful stint in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Mittal was considered a prodigy. But in 2019, just nine years into his bureaucratic career, he stunned many by resigning from the coveted service. His reason? A lifelong devotion to Hindustani classical music Now, far from the bureaucratic corridors of Delhi, Mittal is often found on stage performing Khayal gayaki from the Agra Gharana , the very genre he fell in love with as a in Jalandhar in 1989 to IPS officer Jagdish Kumar and Sangeeta Mittal, music was part of Kashish's DNA. He began his formal training in Hindustani classical music at the tender age of eight. By eleven, he was already performing at Punjab's prestigious Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan.'My music journey began even before my IAS journey was imagined,' Mittal shared in a feature with Indian Masterminds. 'Even during my school and IIT years, I never let go of music—it was always there, a quiet force pulling me in.'His training later deepened under the guru-shishya parampara with maestro Pandit Yashpaul, from whom he imbibed the nuances of Agra Gharana's traditional Khayal gayaki. Recognised today as an 'A Grade' artiste by All India Radio and Doordarshan, and as an 'Established Artiste' by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Mittal has performed at numerous festivals across by his IPS father, Mittal pursued civil services after completing in Computer Science from IIT Delhi. He cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt and joined the IAS at just roles were as prestigious as his academic record. He served as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, and later, as Additional Principal Secretary at NITI Aayog during his central deputation. But despite the accolades and authority, music remained his true anchor.'I tried balancing both,' he admitted, 'but classical music is not a side pursuit—it demands surrender.'In 2019, soon after a transfer to Arunachal Pradesh, Mittal formally stepped away from his bureaucratic post to fully embrace music. The news made waves, but his decision reflected clarity, not conflict. 'An art like this is an eternal journey. You need to give it the respect it deserves,' he followed was not just a revival of a musical career, but a renewed sense of purpose. From Sufi renditions to semi-classical performances, his soulful voice began resonating beyond traditional stages—on social media as Mittal broke the internet with a soul-stirring rendition of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 's Unke Andaz-e-Karam. Seated casually on a sofa, surrounded by friends, his impromptu performance garnered nearly 3 million views on Instagram. The caption read: 'Woh bhi apne na hue, dil bhi gaya haathon se'—words that struck a chord with viewers as deeply as the song response was overwhelming. 'You, sir, are a gem,' one user commented. Another wrote, 'Even after IIT AIR 6 and IAS, you're still following your passion. Truly motivating.'Mittal's contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was conferred with the Punjab State Award for Art and Culture (2007), Saraswati Samman by IIT Delhi (2010), and the Naad Shri Samman (2018) for his excellence in Hindustani classical music. He also holds several national scholarships, including the prestigious NTSE and CCRT fellowships.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Counselling for student admission to MBBS, BDS courses to start from July 30 in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: Counselling for admission of students to MBBS and BDS seats in different government and private medical colleges for the 2025-26 academic year will commence from July 30. Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) committee chairman DP Satpathy said a state-level merit list will be prepared after seat matrix for this year's admission is received from the state government and they will proceed with the counselling. The total medical seats in the state will exclude 15 per cent All India quota, counselling schedule for which has already been issued by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). Satpathy said the enrolment process under All India quota will be completed in the first round from July 21 to 30, while the state counselling will begin on July 30 and continue till August 6. The second round counselling for All India quota will start from August 12 and continue till August 20, while OJEE will take up counselling at state-level from August 19 to 29. The round three has been scheduled for September. In the event of stray vacancies at the state-level, the same will be filled up between September 25 and 29. Last year, the OJEE committee had carried out enrolment of students to a total of 1,863 MBBS and BDS seats in different government and private medical colleges.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
‘At IIT Bombay, curiosity turned into confidence and questions found direction'
I grew up in the calm and quiet town of Kishangarh, Rajasthan, a place where the sky feels wider, the roads are less noisy, and life moves at its own unhurried pace. That slow rhythm, the simplicity, and the genuine sense of space are things I still miss deeply. After completing my Class 10 there, I moved to Kota – like many others chasing the IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) dream – to prepare for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Since childhood, I have had this restless curiosity about science. I was the kid who constantly raised his hand in class, asking 'why' and 'how,' often to the frustration of my teachers. But I rarely found satisfying answers, and that sense of incompleteness became my biggest motivation. That's when I realised JEE preparation was not just a path to an institute – it was a path to deeper understanding. My time in Kota from 2022 to 2024, though intense, was transformative. I did my Class 11 and 12 while preparing for JEE, staying focused throughout. There were tough patches – like falling ill and going home for two weeks – and disruptions to my rhythm when schedules changed. I also struggled with revision; I always wanted to chase the next big concept instead of revisiting the old ones. But with time, I learned to adapt and found my pace again. I appeared for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2024, during my Class 12. When results came out, I had an All India Rank of 7151 in JEE Main and 3909 in Advanced. I wasn't fixated on any particular branch – I trusted the advice of my mentors, who told me not to judge a branch too early. I was only getting core branches in older IITs and had to decide between Civil Engineering at IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi. I chose IIT Bombay because of its environment and reputation. Civil Engineering appealed to me because it is interdisciplinary and connects with many sectors. I also considered Chemical and Aerospace Engineering at IIT Roorkee and IIT Madras, but they were lower on my preference list. I took admission to IIT Bombay in the Department of Civil Engineering. I joined in the last week of July 2024. Having already spent two years in Kota, I was used to staying away from home, but IIT Bombay was a different world altogether. The first few days were surreal. Classes were to begin three days after arrival, so I spent time exploring the campus, getting lost in the maze of buildings, and bonding with my roommate and wing mates in Hostel 1 (H1). The mess food seemed okay at first, but like everyone else, I soon turned to canteens and nearby joints to break the monotony. I did not want to box myself into just one club or activity during the first year. I explored everything. I participated in Enbuzz, a startup pitching competition by E-Cell, the Consult Challenge by the Consulting Club, and even joined SilverScreen IITB to make a short film from scratch. That experience of storytelling, shooting, and editing was incredibly fulfilling. I was also part of the organising teams for Techfest and Mood Indigo, two of the biggest campus events. Academically, the first year was light and manageable. Professors were approachable and supportive, and while I did not dive into studies all year, I did put in the hours when exams approached. The Civil Engineering course included a fun bridge and water tank building competition where professors acted as mentors, not just judges. That hands-on, collaborative learning left a lasting impression. Campus life at IIT Bombay is vibrant in a way that's hard to describe unless you've lived it. There's a sense of freedom here – no strict entry or exit times, late-night canteens, a 24×7 shop, and people walking around at 2 am just talking or working on ideas. It's a world full of creative chaos. My daily routine is quite flexible. I usually start with breakfast, then attend labs and lectures until about 5 pm. Evenings are for gym sessions, chilling with friends, or sketching portraits using charcoal and graphite – something I've loved doing since school. Sometimes, I experiment with the piano, playing around with tunes I enjoy. I've been planning another short film too, though those plans are currently on pause. Hostel life brings a different kind of joy – sometimes, 10 of us squeeze into one room, laughing, playing games, or just talking for hours. Those late-night hangouts, spontaneous walks around campus, or trips to the Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) building rooftop, Amul store, or the Boat House – they've given me some of the best memories. I've made it a point to try different things. Whether it's cricket and badminton with hostel friends, organising events, or learning to communicate better — each experience has shaped me. I used to struggle with public speaking, but now, after organising events, coordinating with sponsors, and leading teams, I've become more confident. It's still a work in progress, but I've come a long way. Living in Mumbai has also changed me. From the calm of Marine Drive to the chaos of Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the city offers something for every mood. I have grown to love its relentless energy and diversity. As of now, I am still exploring various fields. I might take up a placement offer as a safety net, but my long-term dream is to build something of my own – likely in the tech or Information Technology space. The idea of creating something meaningful, something that solves real problems, really excites me. My journey from the peaceful streets of Kishangarh to the buzzing life of IIT Bombay has been full of learning, challenges, and self-discovery. It's not just about academics or placements – it's about becoming someone who questions more, learns better, and dares to build. Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
United News of India
3 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
6th Indian Abacus Olympiad held
Chennai, July 19 (UNI) The sixth Indian Abacus Olympiad, a Math and Skill development Competition, was held at the sprawling Chennai Trade Centre at Nandambakkam in the city today. Students from Abacus centres different states of the country took part in this competition. A total of 2500 students had registered for their participation in the competition at different levels. The event comprised 6 batches of 480 students each who took part in the exam. Considering the 8 levels and 3 age groups, the event saw 24 Champions and 24 each of 1st Winner to 6th Winner. Around 25% of the students who participated got Near to Winner prizes based on the ranking they attained, along with gift items. Apart from all the participants will get the participants Certificate, Medal and consolation trophy, according to a press release. Indian Abacus Private Limited Chairman and Managing Director Dr N Basheer Ahamed said Dr S Shameem, Deputy Director, State Council of Educational Research and Tamil Nadu and Commissioner of Labour S A Raman were the chief guests for the inaugural and the valedictory respectively. The day long event concluded by honouring National level Champion of Champions for the year 2025, All India Best Franchisees, Well performing Franchisees and Well performing Abacus Tutors from different parts of the state. Dr Basheer Ahamed also announced that the Indian Abacus Pvt. Ltd. has been officially appointed as the WAAMA (World Association of Abacus and Mental Arithmetic, China), Council Member representing India. This recognition and appointment belong to every child who believed in the power of learning, to every parent and educator who supported our mission, and to every member of the Indian Abacus family, he said. "As we continue our journey, this honour strengthens our resolve to take Indian innovations to the global stage and to make India a leader in mental math education. "Thank you, WAAMA China, for this incredible recognition. And thank you, India, for trusting our vision, he added. UNI GV 1715
