IIT Madras Alumni Revisit Their Roots and Celebrate New Beginnings

It was a day filled with nostalgic reflections. It shared triumphs as esteemed alumni of IIT Madras, Dr. Shivashankar T.S., VP of Operations at INDO MIM Pvt Ltd, and Mr. Sridhara Ramachandran, VP of Aerospace Solutions Group at INDO MIM Pvt Ltd, returned to their alma mater. They joined in inaugurating the newly renovated Godavari, Jamuna, and Ganga hostels. We had the privilege to interact with them, delving into their cherished memories of IIT Madras. Here's a glimpse into their nostalgic journey as they fondly reminisce about their time at the institute.

The conversation started with a heartfelt welcome to IIT Madras, where the alumni were warmly embraced as if returning to a cherished home. Dr. Shivashankar, a 1990-1994 batch metallurgical engineering graduate, reminisced about the academic sojourn that took him to Pennsylvania State University for his master's and PhD and eventually back to India, where he has contributed to IndoMIM's success for the past 25 years.

Similarly, Mr. Sridhara Ramachandran, a civil engineering graduate from the 1989-1993 batch, recounted his odyssey from IIT Madras to the University of Texas at Austin and, later, to earning an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. His journey led him back to India in 2010, where he made significant strides at IndoMIM for over 14 and a half years.

Returning to IIT Madras was more than a mere visit for these alumni; it was an emotional homecoming. Both Dr. Shivashankar and Mr. Sridhara spoke about their shared sense of joy and gratitude for the institution that shaped their early careers. Dr. Shivashankar, in particular, expressed profound pleasure in participating in the renovation of old hostels, notably the Jamuna Hostel, a project that bridges the past and present for him. “I did visit in 2019 for my 25th reunion. It had been quite a while since I returned. And then I returned again to accompany my daughter. But this visit is particularly special because it's about giving back to the institute that shaped me into who I am today." said Dr. Shivashankar.

Sridhara, likewise, found solace and joy in revisiting the lush, green campus, a stark reminder of his youthful days spent within its bounds. "It feels like life has come full circle. I've been back here for my 25th-year reunion, and whenever I'm in Chennai, I make it a point to visit the IIT campus. The last visit was just before COVID struck. It's always a joy to see the greenery, but this time is particularly special. I feel immense gratitude towards the Chivukula family and the entire company for their contributions here." said Mr. Sridhara.

The conversation veered towards the evolving landscape of education and the increasing challenges students face. Dr. Shivashankar reflected on the evolution of the IIT entrance exams over the years, remarking, "Since my daughter recently went through the JEE, I can clearly see the difference. In the 1990s, opportunities were largely centered in cities, but now, thanks to online teaching, students from every corner of India can prepare effectively. You can learn from the best professors globally, which has intensified competition, akin to the IPL's impact on cricket." He noted the enduring challenge of the exam's acceptance rates, adding, "Despite more applicants, acceptance percentages remain tough, but the 15% reservation for girls has been a positive change for inclusivity."

Sridhara concurred, emphasizing, "There's no doubt it remains one of India's toughest exams. Back in our time, motivation came from seeing toppers' photos in paper ads. Growing up in a small town, I relied on self-study and perseverance." Reflecting on the exam's transformation, he added, "Today, preparation involves mastering a vast array of problem types, making it an intense competition. The exam's toughness hasn't diminished; it's a testament to its rigor."

As the discussion shifted to reminiscing about their favorite memories, the alumni painted vivid pictures of their cherished moments at IIT Madras. Mr. Sridhara reminisced, 'We were very young, just finishing our adolescent age when we entered IIT. A lot of us remember where we were when significant events like receiving scholarships or winning sports tournaments. Reflecting on his time, he added, 'I played a lot of sports for the hostel, including hockey.”

Dr. Shivashankar, reflecting on his early days, said, 'The entire four years, from the first day at CLT's inauguration to the convocation where Dr. Manmohan Singh handed us our degrees, are vivid in my memory.' Reflecting on the journey, he noted, 'There were ups and downs, all part of the learning process. I truly enjoyed every moment and can vividly recall each one.'"

The alumni also fondly remembered their professors who inspired and guided them. Dr. Shivashankar reflected, "Professor Vasudevan, my guide, taught me physical metallurgy during my BTech. His passion for projects, like x-ray diffraction on kidney stones, left a deep impression. Understanding calcium oxalates' impact on patients highlighted the practical relevance of his work."

Mr. Sridhara reminisced, "My thesis advisor, Prof. V. Kalyanaraman, in structural engineering was instrumental. Developing sandwich panel structures under his guidance was groundbreaking." He added, "Professors like R. Srinivasan for Quantum Mechanics and Prof. S. N. Venkatarangan in Mathematics were also profoundly influential throughout my academic journey."

The conversation eventually touched upon the significance of alumni giving and philanthropic efforts in supporting current students. Dr. Shivashankar underscored the importance of these contributions in fostering an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Dr. Shivashankar shared his personal experience, highlighting how scholarships helped him navigate financial constraints during his tenure at IIT Madras. "My father was already retired from work when I joined IIT Madras," underscoring the financial support provided by scholarships, even when hostel fees were relatively high. He concluded, "The Merit-cum-Means scholarships really help take off the financial burden for the student. I think it's really a good one. That's the way I see it."

Both alumni concurred that such initiatives not only aid individual students but significantly enhance the overall educational landscape.

The reflections of Shivashankar and Sridhara Ramachandran serve as a testament to the transformative power of education at IIT Madras. As they shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, it became clear that the values and lessons learned within these hallowed halls continue to resonate throughout their lives.