From Hardship Comes Happiness

By Renish Sundarni, Tech Leaders Fellowship, Class of 2021

I was a final year BE student, a Data Science Intern and a part time business manager. I was also a part of the R&D Cell and the global IEEE community at my campus. Having worked on various projects that used different technology stacks, I found myself drawn towards the revolution that Data Science had brought to our lives. I started taking on more and more projects in that domain. Gradually, I began exploring how I could apply data analysis skills to my business, and I found the possibilities fascinating. I went on to become a certified Data Scientist through Udacity's Nanodegree program. By the end of my fourth year, I had secured an offer from one of the reputed companies.

Being part of a nationwide mentorship program, Reach for the Stars, where the top 60 students are selected from across the country, I happened to cross paths with a Plaksha alumnus who introduced me to Plaksha. I was amazed by the opportunity that lay ahead. After researching the university in depth, I discovered several inspiring aspects that resonated with my aspirations. I wanted to build expertise in both business and Data Science, and I felt that Plaksha offered the perfect blend. I was eager to learn from renowned entrepreneurs and be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the country who shared the same passion for learning and growth.

There was something about Plaksha that drew me to it more than any other university. At that moment, I decided to let go of my software engineering opportunity because I wanted to explore my potential and broaden my horizons. I strongly believed in sharing knowledge, which is why I had started a small-scale, non-profit initiative where I trained young people and gave them hands-on exposure to robotics. I knew that Plaksha would not only provide me with exceptional mentors but also give me opportunities to collaborate with business leaders and develop as an entrepreneur.

Looking back, my student journey had been shaped by curiosity, uncertainty and the willingness to take a different path. This personal reflection made me realize that growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing challenges and staying open to new possibilities.

To qualify for the Plaksha Tech Leaders Fellowship, I had to write essays and take a basic aptitude test, for which I worked tirelessly by practising a wide range of logical reasoning questions. After being shortlisted, I progressed to the virtual interview, where I was asked about my journey and how I had evolved over the years. Finally, after a long wait, came the day the results were announced.

I was thrilled to be selected among some of the nation's brightest minds. Seeing my selection was one of the happiest moments of my life. It felt as though a dream I had carried in my subconscious had finally become a reality. I had always imagined becoming someone who was equally strong in both technology and business, and Plaksha felt like the perfect place to achieve that vision.

I hope to gain knowledge at Plaksha and give back by becoming a successful entrepreneur under the guidance of the exceptional mentors and leaders associated with the university. It would be a privilege to contribute to Plaksha's legacy and inspire future generations.

This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I look forward to learning continuously because learning is a lifelong process. Alongside building a startup, I want to keep myself updated with emerging technologies.

Lastly, I would like to leave everyone with a message. Opportunities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but as the saying goes, "Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them." To make the most of those opportunities, you have to keep hustling because there is no substitute for hard work.

The Content Team at Plaksha University leads storytelling, blog and website content, social media, newsletters and event coverage and press and media coverage. The team writes about the University's initiatives, academic programs, research, innovation, and the impact created by the students, faculty, and collaborators and in the process offer readers a closer look at the people and ideas shaping the future of technology education.