“Don’t box yourself into what you studied.” - Dr. Anand Rajaraman
Dr. Anand Rajaraman, a Distinguished Alumnus Awardee of IIT Madras, is a name synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence. A 1993 graduate with a B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering, Dr. Anand Rajaraman’s journey from the serene avenues of IIT Madras to the bustling corridors of Silicon Valley is a reflection of the transformative power of education, curiosity, and perseverance.
Currently a Founding Partner at Rocketship.vc, Dr. Anand Rajaraman is renowned for his pioneering ventures and insightful research. His investments in startups like Facebook, Aster Data Systems, and India Infoline reflect his knack for identifying groundbreaking ideas and supporting them to fruition.
During his visit to IIT Madras, coinciding with the final day of Saarang 2025, Dr. Anand Rajaraman reminisced about his formative years. “Walking around the campus brings back so many memories of this cultural festival. In my days, it was called Mardi Gras,” he fondly shared. Growing up in Chennai (then Madras), the vibrant campus of IIT Madras always held a special allure for him. By the time he reached high school, the dream of joining this premier institute became a driving aspiration.
For Dr. Anand Rajaraman, IIT Madras was not just an institution but a home where he forged lifelong friendships. “My hostel, Alakananda, holds some of my fondest memories. The camaraderie we shared, playing cricket outside the hostel, and engaging in passionate debates over science or politics – those were the golden days,” he reflected.
Dr. Anand Rajaraman’s academic brilliance earned him the prestigious President of India Gold Medal for being the best academic performer in his graduating class. Recalling this honor, he shared, “I was humbled to receive the medal. Coming from a Tamil Nadu State Board school, I initially felt out of place among peers from CBSE and other reputed institutions. But IIT Madras gave me the confidence to believe in myself.”
The convocation was a moment of pride, not just for him but for his entire family. “My parents, grandmother, uncles, and aunts – everyone came to celebrate. Seeing their joy was one of my most cherished moments,” he said with a smile.
After completing his Ph.D. at Stanford University, Dr. Anand Rajaraman co-founded Junglee Corp., a company that revolutionized e-commerce with its Virtual Database technology. When Junglee was acquired by Amazon, he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a retail platform, shaping its trajectory into the global powerhouse it is today.
As an academic, Dr. Anand Rajaraman’s research spans databases, social media, and the World Wide Web. His co-authored textbook Mining of Massive Datasets has been downloaded over 100,000 times, reflecting its impact on students and professionals worldwide.
Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Anand Rajaraman continues to teach at Stanford University, nurturing the next generation of innovators. His work has garnered accolades, including two retrospective 10-year Best Paper Awards at prestigious conferences.
When asked about the secret to his multifaceted career, Dr. Anand Rajaraman emphasized the importance of adaptability and first-principles thinking. “Don’t box yourself into what you studied. The skills you acquire in college are a toolkit to tackle any challenge. Be open to new possibilities and believe in your ability to solve problems,” he advised.
Dr. Anand Rajaraman’s message to current students is one of optimism and opportunity. “This is an exciting time to be in the world. With advancements in AI and a growing economy, India offers immense potential. Use your talents to make a difference – not just in your life, but in the world.”
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