Arem Praveen Prakash

Arem Praveen Prakash, an undergraduate in the Department of Chemical Engineering, class of 2023, experienced it all, from NEET to JEE and from offline to online semesters (and back). In this conversation, he shares the upsides, downsides, and some insightful reflections on his college journey.

Q. Tell us a bit about your journey to IIT Bombay and your initial experience here.

I am from Andhra Pradesh. Post 10th grade I decided to take up NEET and joined a Medical Academy. Nearly after a month of coaching, I realised I’d be the worst doctor and switched to JEE. And here I am. When I first came to the institute, I realised how different the environment here is. I met some genuine people and put in effort and time to understand and get along with them. I had a lot of fun in my first year here post which COVID hit and I felt pretty bummed that I never got to witness Solside – Hostel 16’s fest.

Q. How did COVID affect your college life?

After everything transitioned to offline again, I came back to college and was allotted my hostel This is when I realised how much people had changed between our 1st and 3rd year. I felt like I had to grow up suddenly from a fresher to a senior. Because I only had one more year in college, I tried my best to get as much out of insti life as possible. I tried my hand at a lot of random stuff. I remember once when my friends and I wanted to chill out somewhere in Mumbai and randomly decided to head to Elephanta Caves which to our disdain was closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (we found out after we reached) (those who might have similar plans, take notes). 

Q. What interests did you explore in these years?

I didn’t try out any clubs but I had an interest in video editing. When I was at home, alone and stressed, I tried my hand at video editing. I liked it, practised it for a few months and even started a YouTube channel. I made this mini vlog once while trekking to Sameer Hills and explored my creative side like this quite a bit. One of my videos (coffin dance in H3) received over 10k views! (I’m very proud of that)

Q. What are your plans for the future?

I plan to give CAT in November 2023 and explore the business field. I’ll try and learn as much as possible. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll switch to software. I’ll try and explore all my options, give my best and try to be a better person. I don’t believe in doing what’s trending but rather what’s suitable for me.

Q. Do you have any regrets?

I’m a very shy guy myself, I didn’t go to prom night. And I do regret that. One of my friends even mocked me about it. I guess I could’ve asked a girl to go to prom with me. Other than that, I’m pretty satisfied with myself.

Q. Favourite place in the institute?

I loved the boathouse. I’d often go there between 11pm and midnight with 4-5 people. It was very eerie and we’d pretend to greet the spirits there and come back. We tried to prank a friend once because he was scared of the dark. We gave him a signal and ran away. Of course we only wanted the best for him (overcome his fear of darkness, duh).

Q. Any advice to your juniors?

You should definitely explore yourself in this institute, there will never be a better place for that. Make good friends, it’s not all about academics. Work on weekdays and relax on the weekend.