A Symphony of Knowledge: Prof. Vidya Muthukumar’s Journey

In 2010, Prof. Vidya Muthukumar arrived at IIT Madras, carrying a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "I remember stepping onto the campus and feeling an immediate sense of possibility," she recalls. The sprawling institute, with its lush greenery and vibrant student life, became the backdrop for a transformative journey.

Prof. Vidya was struck by various contrasts on the campus, hustling classrooms and buzzing hostel corridors balanced by peaceful, tree-lined walkways. As she settled in, she discovered that the heart of IIT Madras lay in its people, the friendships, and the countless late-night conversations that shaped her world.

Among the many experiences that defined her time at IIT Madras, the friendships stood out the most. "We never wanted the conversations to end," she reminisces, recalling nights spent debating ideas, laughing over shared meals, and exploring the city together. These connections became the foundation of her college life.
                                                                                            Prof. Vidya with her “Pakoda” band members 

Music was another defining passion. From playing with the institute band ‘Pakoda’ to leading her hostel band, she found joy in the rhythm and harmony of both Carnatic vocal music and western piano. Her transition from Western classical piano to group performances with a band, which primarily took shape in college, was exhilarating, and every show added a new layer to her journey. Performing on stage, competing in college fests, and growing as an artist made her college years all the more special.

One song that instantly takes her back to her first year in Insti is “Within Attraction” by the Greek composer Yanni. “There was this legendary cover of it by a well-known violinist and guitarist on campus. It was the video, everyone knew it,” she recalls. “I listened to it on loop, and it inspired me to learn one of Yanni’s more piano-focused pieces, called “Butterfly Dance”, on my own.” Known for his sweeping compositions performed by an ensemble of instruments, Yanni’s music continues to hold a special place in her heart. “Even today, whenever I hear anything by Yanni, I’m immediately transported back to those days, those corridors, that feeling of wonder, and the excitement of discovering something new.”

Did she always envision herself as a professor? "Not really," she admits. Her aspirations were diverse—she admired her father’s career as a software engineer and even briefly considered becoming a professional musician. But as she delved deeper into research, she realized that the thrill of solving complex problems mirrored the excitement of making music. "Research felt at the time like an open canvas where creativity had no limits," she says.

Her passion for academia grew stronger during her final year at IIT Madras, leading her to UC Berkeley for graduate studies. "It was there that I truly understood how much I loved both learning and teaching," she reflects. The joy of mentorship, the challenge of innovation, and the endless curiosity of research made her choose the academic path.

Now, as the Harold R. and Mary Anne Nash Early Career Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, Prof. Vidya Muthukumar carries forward the lessons her IIT Madras professors instilled in her. "Their dedication to deep learning and problem-solving shaped the way I approach teaching today," she says. She believes that true understanding comes from engagement, a philosophy she now imparts to her own students.

Standing at the front of a lecture hall, she often thinks back to her own student days. "Waking up for an 8 AM class was tough back then," she laughs, "but now I see the effort my professors put into making those lectures meaningful." Her journey has come full circle, from being a student struggling with early classes to a professor delivering them with enthusiasm.

Even with a career steeped in research and teaching, music remains an essential part of Vidya’s life. "Music is something that never leaves you" she muses. Though formal performances have become rare, she still sings and plays at home.

Her time at IIT Madras was a symphony of learning, laughter, and personal growth. "I remember fending off monkeys and finding creative ways to survive hostel life," she chuckles. But beyond the everyday adventures, it was the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and camaraderie that defined her years there.

For Prof. Vidya Muthukumar, the melody of her IIT Madras days still lingers, a tune of discovery, ambition, and lifelong friendships that continues to shape her journey forward.                                                                                       Prof. Vidya with her parents at her convocation