Riddhima Channa : 8 Random Seniors

Meet Riddhima Channa from Gwalior. She did her BTech in Aerospace Engineering and now is going for a master’s in Management. Read about her incredible journey as The Institute  TT Secretary 22-23, the Sports Girls’ Nominee, playing inter-IIT, and being part of Silver Screen and Style-Up.

1. Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. I completed my B. Tech in Aerospace Engineering, and I was majorly involved in the sports council since I play table tennis. 

2. What clubs and teams were you part of throughout your insti journey? 

I was actively involved with the film-making club – Silver Screen, and the fashion club – Style Up and also went to the inter-IIT sports and cultural meets. I was the table tennis secretary in my third year and then went on to become the sports girls’ nominee in my fourth year. 

3. Any incident you’d like to share which is close to your heart?

I was the table tennis secretary during the Inter IIT sports meet in 2022. The finals of all sports events were going on at the same time. We, unfortunately, couldn’t clutch gold in table tennis but won gold in basketball. All of it was coming to an end with so many of our teams winning medals. Towards the end, we all gathered on the basketball court and teared up looking back at our journey. That is a very precious memory to me.  

4. Which was one hobby that helped you survive on campus?

Sports itself. I connected to a lot of people on campus through sports. 

5. Something that you’re proud of having accomplished during your journey here?

I was not much of an academic person. People who take up PoRs mostly go for non-core jobs. I think through taking up PoRs I’ve figured out where my interest lies. Everyone here has helped me figure out what my skill set is suited for, which is management. I’m really proud of having figured that out.

6. An interesting fact about yourself?

I’m the recipient of the Dhyan Chand Award for my performance in table tennis.

7. What are your future plans?

I explored a lot of career paths and I realised I was interested in business and management. I’m going for my master’s in management at ESCP Business School in France.

8. Do you have any regrets? Anything you wanted to do during your insti life but could not do due to some reasons?

I don’t know if this is specific to my batch or if COVID is the reason for it, but my interaction with my mentors – ISMPs and DAMPs was very low and I regret that. I should’ve done that to understand what to do and to what extent. Their advice could probably have helped me figure out my interests earlier. 

9. A message you would like to give to your fellow batchmates, the outgoing batch?

Stay connected.  During the placement semester, I felt everyone got disconnected from each other. We don’t know who is going for higher studies, who got placed etc. I want to remind my batchmates that if they have come this far, they’re doing great. I want them to realize they can do anything. 

10. Some tips you would like to give to students here/juniors, some realizations as you end your journey here?

Talk to seniors as much as possible. Ask them dumb questions. We will be there to help you all the time. Alums as well will help you out. Stay connected to your seniors and people who are graduating now. 

11. Favourite spot in insti.

It would definitely be the TT court and Gymkhana ground. Some people might disagree with my answer though. My teammates used to say they could see me everywhere in insti except on the court😂

12. If you could do it all again but not repeat a single thing, what do you think your journey would be like?

I wanted to take a minor in management, but because of peer pressure and other factors, I took a minor in Electrical Engineering and had to drop it midway. 

13. Any one-liner to sum it all up?

Everyone should have at least something other than academics to do. Have friends outside of your branch. Go out there, talk to people, support them through hardships. Explore who is interested in the same things as you are. 

Editorial Credits: Aarya Gaikwad