Ever wondered what it would be like to be the gold medallist at an IIT?
For Sheerang Chhatre, this dream recently became reality, as he was named the gold medallist at IIT Bombay in this year's graduating class. Now, he's off to MIT in the United States for his PhD, but he plans on returning to India to help the country's growth.
Sheerang chatted with Get Ahead readers on August 17, and answered questions regarding academics at the IITs. For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript:
Part I: Words of wisdom from an IIT gold medallist
Varun asked, Most IIT achievers moves to US or Europe for jobs. Tell me what is the reason that they dont stay here and serve country?
Shreerang Chhatre answers, See Varun, young people are more inclined towards moneymaking. So fat pay packages and a comfortable life attracts them to developed countries. But they fail to realise that through their knowledge and expertise they should help their own people to grow. Now, I guess the situation is changing, slowly but surely.
GopiBLR asked, Hearty Congratulations Shreerang !!! Great job ... You need to become a young Entrepreneur and do India proud !!!
Shreerang Chhatre answers, Thanks for your wishes.
Padmakar asked, Conratulations Shreerang! I would like to know about your school days. Whether you were one of the intllignent/ bright student during those days or you improved yourself afterwardfs....?
Shreerang Chhatre answers, I did my schooling from Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, Mumbai. I was bright but lazy; but slowly I
realised that you need to work really hard to achieve anything. So I guess that was the only improvement.
anmol asked, do u think in anyways that iit topper and a 6 pointer are in anyways different?...do u think that they have different aptitude
Shreerang Chhatre answers, Haha, aptitude wise you cannot really distinguish. I guess the seriousness that an academically successful student has is generally (not always) missing in others.
rohan asked, hi Shreerag....congrats mate............i aspire to be an IITian..i am in 10th...when do i start coaching for IIT
Shreerang Chhatre answers, After your 10th standard exam, take a break. Relax for a few days. Then start for JEE. I guess two years are required for a thorough preparation.
Ramesh asked, Hi Shreerang, As of today, which source of energy do you find most promising, and which one will be appropriate for India.
Shreerang Chhatre answers, From the Indian point of view, it's solar energy. If a country like germany with a smaller size and much lesser solar radiation can generate so much power from it, then why can't we? Huge amounts of initial investment for solar-cells, invertors and the grid is preventing the commercialisation of solar energy in India.
hime asked, Congrats, what is your course in Mtech?
Shreerang Chhatre answers, I have specialised in Metallurgical process engineering for MTech.
rutvik asked, Would u suggest going for any branch of IIT or going for a branch of one's choice like Computer Science in other premier institutes like NIT,Bits Pilani, IIIT etc
Shreerang Chhatre answers, My personal opinion is that you should go for any branch available in IITs, rather than going for other colleges. The hierarchy or distinction in the branches that people make are not really felt when one is studying in IITs. The academic quality, peer group and facilities that you get in IITs are awesome. Never let the opportunity to get into IIT slip-by.
kunal asked, hi Shreerang! im kunal from golden gate.. Shreerang, please tell me how u studied 4 chemistry. the portion seems to be too vast..i find it hard to remember each and every reaction
Shreerang Chhatre answers, Well, initially it can be a bit difficult, but slowly through revisions and assignments you get used to it. Dont worry, you have a very good organic chem teacher, so just keep pace with the lectures and the portion. You will succeed, dont worry!
rb asked, Hi Shreerang many congratulations. I want to know the role of your parents in your success?
Shreerang Chhatre answers, Tes, this is a nice one. My mother is a teacher, so she helped me a lot academically. She is my inspiration, my support and my best friend through the tough times. She helped me a lot emotionally, always stood by my decisions. She stopped working to concentrate on me, my academics and overall developement. All the credits of my achievements should go to her. Coming back to your question, I guess you need someone (best is one of your parents) who can support you emotionally and guide you to the correct path.