Embracing the Flame: Raghu Prakash's Inspirational Journey into IIT Bhubaneswar Thermal Engineering
Dear Friends and Students
Heart-touching story of our student! I am also equally happy to read and share this story that I could do my little squirrel’s support in this boy’s journey.
When the air passes into the lungs, you experience obstruction and make a peculiar sound, which is called a hiccup. The best way to stop hiccups is to drink a glass of cold water. Don’t stop eating the food! It makes them malnourished.
Best wishes Raghu!
Get Inspired!
Ravi Saripalle
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I am Raghu Prakash (2019-23, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, GVPCE).
Let me share my family background before I share my little success today.
Hope you are all aware of Duck Syndrome: What's Beneath the Water? Duck Syndrome refers to that image of a duck we see effortlessly gliding across the water. However, what we can’t see is that, under the water, that same duck is ferociously paddling to maintain its graceful appearance.
My Father’s name is Shri. Sanny Babu L. He works as a Lorry Driver. My mother’s name is Smt. L Eswaramma. She is a housewife. I have one sister. They are all my life. My father has been facing a lot of struggles in educating us. My father played a crucial role in my life though he is having great hardship in his professional journey. Both my parents are illiterates but they value Education. My mother is my Inspiration. She is a firm believer in learning outcomes. She constantly tells us that learning outcomes will pay back in her language. Having said that surprisingly, they never asked for my marksheets in the school or college. They trusted me all the time.
Let me share my passion in Life.
From a young age, I had a passion for cricket, and it became a central part of my school days. Whether it was playing with friends during breaks or participating in inter-school tournaments, cricket was my favorite pastime. I honed my skills and dedication to the sport, and it became an integral part of my identity.
As I progressed through the grades, my love for cricket only grew stronger. I joined the school cricket team and had the opportunity to represent my school in various competitions. The thrill of stepping onto the field, feeling the bat in my hands, and the camaraderie with my teammates became the highlight of my school life.
Beginning of my Professional Education
As I approached class 12, it was time to make some important decisions for my future. While cricket remained a significant part of my life, I also recognized the value of formal education. With guidance from my well-wishers, I decided to pursue a B.Tech degree in a field that aligned with my interests and strengths.
Twist in my Decisions
However, there is a wind blow in my life. After a lot of deep-dive thinking, one day I decided to leave my B. Tech in my very first semester itself because I was not able to develop much appreciation towards Mechanical Engineering. I felt tough to complete this course! I felt I was not capable of engineering itself. Beyond that, I am more interested in Mathematics. Hence, I decided to pursue a mathematics-based Degree.
At this hour, one of my family friends (Vara Prasad M, Systems Engineers, Data Center, GVPCE) intervened in my decision for a good cause. He persuaded me to continue and took me to Dr. Ravi Saripalle Sir (Center for Innovation and Incubation, GVPCE). Sir guided me a lot and shared a lot of motivational stories to convince me to continue my Engineering. Finally, I was swayed to pursue my degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Never Lookback in Preparation
From then, I became serious about my studies. I took it to heart. Cricket became secondary to my list. I started seriously preparing for the GATE Exam from my Sixth Semester onwards. Finally, I qualified for the GATE 2023 Examination. I applied to all IITs and NITs for MTech Admission.
Initially, I got an offer from NIT Rourkela (Thermal Engineering). Later I got another offer from IIT Bhubaneswar (Thermal Science and Engineering). Finally, I selected IIT Bhubaneswar and will join this campus shortly. I am now wishing and aspiring to become a good Thermal Engineering Researcher!
Though I moved away from playing cricket at a competitive level, the lessons I learned from the sport continue to shape my character and approach toward life. Now, as I embark on my MTech journey, I carry the same dedication and passion that made me a cricket enthusiast.
My story, from childhood to pursuing a B.Tech degree, is a testament to the power of following one's passions while embracing the opportunities that come with education and personal growth. I look forward to the new experiences and challenges that await me in the next phase of my life
I know it is not a great achievement and not claiming it as well, however, like me there are so many friends struggling either financially or emotionally or intellectually or all together. If this small story helps them to sail through, I am really happy. It adds more responsibility to me to do my best in my MTech at IIT Bhubaneswar. If I have hurt any sentiments through my story, I sincerely apologize.
Raghu Prakash
Note: Opinions expressed by authors are their own.
Pic credits: Pixabay