A seasoned wood is one which got stronger on every hit. From a jaw fracture at the age of three, to the point where my father got hospitalised few weeks before CAT exam, I have been tried and tested in every way. Being brought up in a scientific locality, gave me enough opportunities to compete with people from diverse backgrounds across India. I started to draw and paint from the age of four and started to play Shuttle Badminton from the age of eight. This sport changed my entire life. They say before the battle of fists comes the battle of mind. My toughest match was a test of nerves. It was a Shuttle Badminton match where the opposition team need a single point to seal the game and yet I was able to turn the tables and win the match. I realized that there is always hope. One must keep fighting to chase their dreams. And may be that never give up spirit pushed me forward even after failing to secure a seat in NIT’s in my first attempt.
From breaking stereotypes by winning a Rangoli competition to, being part of various teams, life at NIT was a memorable one. There were moments where I had to play matches with my body running on glucose, there were tournaments where I had to play with a shoulder injury. These walls were meant to be climbed. If I fall while climbing another no problem,I’ll try again.
One brand that I used was Peter England. In every interview, I wore a blue Peter England shirt. Just two weeks before CAT exam my father got hospitalized. He had blood clots all over his lungs. The blood clots usually travel from legs, travel up the heart, damage the valves, and heart pumps it out and it settles in the body. Luckily not all of that happened. The heart wasn’t that injured. But the condition was critical. Trust me it is scary when doctor uses the word ‘Lucky’. I do not know how to explain that feeling when my father was asking me to take care of the family and giving details of the financials. Maybe no Son should face that. I know deep down he was scared; it was all about his mind. I never let his spirits go down, I used to take him for walks to convince him that he is getting better and I never once showed that I was scared more than him. And after some good medical treatment, my father was alright, he was discharged. I wore that one blue Peter England shirt for more than a week in the hospital as I considered it lucky. Maybe he didn’t notice. Even if he did, he wouldn’t ask. I wrote my exam and gave all interviews wearing that very old blue Peter England shirt. I joined IIM Ranchi. I do not know if I made him proud. But I am trying my level best.