The Butterfly Effect: Transforming One Wingbeat at a Time – My Journey at IIT Kharagpur
The Butterfly Effect: Transforming One Wingbeat at a Time – My Journey at IIT Kharagpur
One year has passed since my unforgettable internship at IIT Kharagpur, and I am finally sharing my story. This experience marked a turning point in my life, offering lessons, challenges, and memories that have shaped the person I am today. I owe my sincere gratitude to SREC !!
A New World of Learning and Growth
Stepping into IIT Kharagpur was like entering an entirely different world. The environment, the people, and the opportunities were nothing short of inspiring. I had the privilege of meeting and working with incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Parv Jain, Zaid Ahmed, Amelia, and Deblina Didi. Their warmth and camaraderie turned what could have been an intimidating experience into an unforgettable one.
At first, I felt overwhelmed. It was my first time stepping outside Tamil Nadu, away from my comfort zone in Coimbatore. Managing everything on my own - from living independently to balancing the dual roles of an intern and an adult - was both daunting and exhilarating. I’ve always had a knack for making a place feel like home, but this time was different. The language barrier added another layer of complexity. My conservative knowledge of Hindi was just enough to get by, but my fluency had faded from years of disuse.
Transforming Through Challenges
Despite the initial hurdles, my time at IIT Kharagpur was an eye-opener. It revealed not only the vast opportunities before me but also the areas where I needed to improve. In those 45 days, I began to transform—a caterpillar taking its first steps toward becoming a butterfly.
The work was fascinating and gave me a deeper appreciation for research. I dived into projects involving Raspberry Pi, DroneKit, and MANET, each opening new avenues of learning. The people I worked with inspired me to push my boundaries and embrace the idea of learning from everyone around me.
I am deeply thankful to Shanmathan and Surya, who were my anchors during this journey. Their familiarity with Tamil kept me grounded and provided a comforting reminder of home. I am also immensely grateful to my mentors and guides: Kirtan Sir, Tirthankar Sir, and Debarati Ma’am, my project guide, who believed in my potential. My heartfelt thanks also go to my college faculty—Madhumathi Ma’am, N. Sathish Kumar Sir, Grace Selvarani Ma’am, and Alamelu Ma’am—for their unwavering support in securing this opportunity.
Moments That Made It Special
One of the standout memories was celebrating Kali Puja in the North East, thanks to Swasthik Chakrabarti Sir, who graciously invited us. Experiencing this vibrant festival for the first time was a culturally enriching experience I will always cherish.
The weekends at Kharagpur were equally memorable. I had the rare fortune of attending IIT’s technical and cultural fests as an outsider, an experience that was both exhilarating and inspiring. Meeting Arjun Malhotra Sir, the founder of HCL, during my second week at GSSST was another unforgettable moment. Listening to him speak was humbling—I was left in awe, absorbing his wisdom and vision.
Personal Growth Beyond the Lab
This internship wasn’t just about technical knowledge; it was about personal growth, resilience, and stepping out of my comfort zone. It taught me how to thrive in unfamiliar environments and adapt to new challenges. In those 45 days, I discovered a version of myself I had never met before - one that was more resilient, curious, and ready to embrace change.
I cannot end this without mentioning my wonderful roommate, Lavanya, who became my pillar of support and a close friend in such a short time. She understood me so well, even down to knowing my preferences (my taste buds have always leaned far from sweet!). Without her, hostel life would have been dull and challenging.
A Journey to Remember
Looking back, my time at IIT Kharagpur was filled with transformative moments, challenges, and endless memories. It wasn’t just an internship; it was a life-changing journey that prepared me for the road ahead.
To everyone who was part of this journey, thank you for making it so special. To my mentors, guides, and college faculty, I’m forever grateful for your trust and encouragement.
This experience will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I hope sharing this story gives you a glimpse into the incredible journey I was fortunate to embark upon.
This is me, Archana from 4th Year CSE, and thus I sign off, moving on to my next phase of metamorphosis and becoming a better human being.
#IITKharagpur #InternshipDiaries #LearningJourney #Resilience #GrowthMindset #ResearchLife #WomenInTech #Gratitude #SteppingOutOfComfortZone
ARCHANA
FINAL IT