An Evening with IITians

Standing before the imposing ivory gates of the prestigious Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT-Roorkee), I couldn’t help but reflect on
the profound significance of this institution. For countless aspiring
students, securing admission here embodies their dreams, representing an
opportunity to etch an indelible mark on their careers and lives.

On a balmy Saturday evening, I found myself accepting a gracious
invitation by the Literary Society of IIT Roorkee and Reading the Author
(SRG) group to serve as a guest speaker. The occasion revolved around a
candid discussion on my book, “My Perspective and Thoughts During
Lockdown.” It was a captivating experience, as I shared the stage with a
distinguished panel of accomplished authors, all of us united by our
passion for the written word. Amidst a captive audience of IITians, we
delved into the intricacies of our writing journeys, passionately
discussing the subjects that had spurred us to embark on the arduous yet
rewarding journey of penning a book.

It becomes abundantly clear that when a writer embarks on the journey of
crafting a book, they are invariably driven by the profound impact of
life’s events. Such events serve as the catalyst, sparking the creative
process and shaping the narrative. Equally significant is the writer’s
desire to contribute meaningfully to society through their literary
work. Through the medium of a book, readers can immerse themselves in
stories and events that resonate with their own lives, forging a
powerful connection.

Many of the fellow authors alongside me have traversed a transformative
path, marked by pivotal life events that left an indelible mark. These
events often bring forth pain and create a somber void, shrouded in
clouds of depression and anguish. In moments of solitude, individuals
may grapple with their pain, opting to internalize their struggles
rather than share them with others. However, what I’ve learned from
these authors is that they chose the path of writing as a means to find
solace. By committing their emotions, pain, and thoughts to paper, they
discovered a profound sense of release and healing, transforming their
personal tribulations into a shared literary experience.

In my perspective, this is where a person’s courage and inner strength
truly shine. Instead of succumbing to the overwhelming pain and trauma
of a life-altering event, they bravely choose to share their experiences
with the world. In doing so, they convey the powerful message of
embracing one’s authentic self and illuminating the path to combat
loneliness.

One of the authors shared a particularly poignant journey. For her, the
dream of becoming an author had always burned within, yet she grappled
with the courage to expose her innermost thoughts to the world. She
diligently documented her thoughts in diaries over the years. Then, one
day, she mustered the fortitude to approach publishers and share her
work. To her surprise and delight, her writing was met with
appreciation, and her work was eventually transformed into a published
book.

This narrative underscores a crucial point that I often emphasize: the
importance of recognizing one’s dreams and actively pursuing them. It
underscores the need for a fervent desire and unwavering determination
to manifest one’s potential and contribute to the world in a meaningful
way.

During my interaction with the IITians, I posed a question that sought
to unveil their passions in life. To my surprise, not a single hand was
raised, nor did anyone respond affirmatively. This discovery left me
pondering, as it seemed that many of these students, despite their
remarkable academic achievements, were predominantly fixated on their
studies. It almost appeared as though they had been coerced into
pursuing a path towards elite engineering, potentially at the expense of
their individual passions.

In conversations held later that evening, I delved deeper into the
motivations and aspirations of some of these students. I learned that
for some, their educational trajectory was not entirely aligned with
their own dreams but rather a fulfillment of their parents’ wishes. This
revelation prompted me to reflect on the notion that parents should
refrain from imposing their own aspirations onto their children or
showcasing them as trophies to society.

This is where the importance of discovering one’s passion comes into
play. I encountered students who harbored a genuine passion for
innovation, invention, and the generation of novel ideas. This innate
drive illuminated their path forward, endowing them with a clear sense
of purpose and direction in life.

The crux of the matter is this: parents should always be attentive to
their children’s desires and aspirations. It is imperative to comprehend
their wishes, and what they aspire to study or pursue. When individuals
make autonomous decisions and chart their own course, it fosters a
profound sense of ownership and unwavering commitment to achieving their
goals. Conversely, coercing someone into a predetermined path may yield
uncertain results. It is crucial to provide students, including your own
children, with the space to articulate their perspectives, set their
goals, and offer unwavering support on their journey to realizing their
dreams.

As the author, I marveled at the amazing time I spent with fellow
authors and students within those hallowed halls of IIT-Roorkee, where
they not only listened to me but also appreciated the moments we shared.