Dhairya

Dhairya

Meet Dhairya, a recent B. Des graduate. His years in the institute have been amazing and life-changing. Are you a film fanatic? Read along about this up-and-coming director (fingers crossed) navigating through different aspects of life in the institute.

Q: Tell us about your journey coming here. Why did you choose IIT Bombay?

I am from Pune, Maharashtra, and growing up, I was interested in sketching and design. This passion led me to pursue design. I wanted to join IDC as it’s one of the oldest design schools with an industrial-focused design curriculum. I cleared the UCEED in 2020. However, while filling out the forms, I messed up my preference list and was allotted a different college. I retook the test the following year, which is how I got into IDC.

Q: What were your expectations before coming here and how well were they met?

I had no particular expectation; it took days to sink in that I was going to IDC. I still remember May 19, the first time I visited the institute. It wasn’t until we went to the institute that we realized it was a whole new experience compared to being within four walls, attending online classes. I got much more than I expected; meeting new people, making the experience memorable at every milestone. It was daunting at first, design school in a technical institute. Would students be open to different ideas? The answer was YES. It made it easier for me to ease into the institute culture.

Q: Which clubs and teams were you a part of?

In my sophomore year, encouraged by a senior, I applied and got selected for the Fourthwall convenor. Being a convenor taught me how to manage and organise events. I was part of the SilverScreen Inter IIT team twice, visiting IIT Kharagpur and IIT Patna this year. These people are some of my closest friends, bonding over our tireless work, socializing, and creating lasting memories. What was truly remarkable was the trust these people showed in me in Kharagpur, allowing me to direct and act. All in all, it was a remarkable time.

Q: What were your go-to stress-busters or hobbies that helped you survive on campus?

My go-to place at any time was the rooftops, often H18 or energy science rooftops. Sitting, chatting, and enjoying the breeze was my escape during stressful periods. Whenever we were hungry, the other place was the H14 Amul shop. It was not only about the food, but also the walk. Whenever working late at night in SAC, we used to sit on the OAT stairs to take a break.

Q: Are there any changes you have noticed in the institute culture as your time here progressed?

From the recent events over the past few years, it’s apparent that the administration has started to meddle in events. A few years ago, clubs had greater freedom in deciding event organisation, and higher authorities didn’t bother much about events. However, there have been several policy changes causing disagreement between authorities and clubs, which have impacted the quality of events significantly.

Q: How did the academic competition or competition overall affect your mental health? Did you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to excel?

I wasn’t particularly stressed about academic competition; IDC had more rigorous submissions, and whenever deadlines drew near, I used to regret not putting enough effort into assignments. Realising this pattern in my third year, I paid more attention to my assignments and academics. As for pressure to excel, my approach to academics has been simple: go in like a blank canvas and try to absorb as much as possible, not focusing on competition.

Q: How was your semester exchange experience?

It was like a dream come true, first time visiting another country, and to Paris, out of all places. Visiting various museums (hazards of being so much out on the streets), talking and bonding with locals and other international students with their different ideologies gave a new dimension to my perspective. As for academics, it was interesting to learn about the European view of design and to gain a deeper understanding of design in general.

Of course, I didn’t miss the opportunity to visit other European countries, I visited Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy during my stay. One of the problems that I didn’t anticipate was how difficult it is to stay in another country for a long time, since there are various cultural differences from where you come from. All in all, an incredible 4 months.

Q: If you could turn back and change one thing, what would it be?

In my sophomore year, I was in a relationship that was mentally and emotionally draining. Additionally, I took some extra courses and signed up for many clubs. Trying to keep up with everything was overwhelming, and soon, I wasn’t able to keep up; it affected my grades and mental health. If I had the chance, I would have invested my time in other passions, such as dancing and singing, instead of focusing on a relationship, and prioritized academics.

Q: How has your time at the institute changed you as a person?

Insti has changed me in ways that come with both pros and cons, it has changed my way of thinking. Earlier, I was more reckless and carefree, doing whatever I liked. Insti gave me that freedom; however, it also gave me a sense of responsibility. It gave me a sense of parenthood, with the assurance that even if you fall and make mistakes, you have support, helping you get back on your feet.

Listening to diverse perspectives from people across India about life has been incredible. Talking to so many people helped me understand that we are not alone, struggling to find our way in life. It gave me a more practical, problem-solving mindset, not just in design but also in life in general.

Q: Moving ahead, what are your future plans?

I will start working as a Product designer at Wells Fargo in Bangalore. I plan to spend a few years in the corporate world until the filmmaker in me emerges, starting a new journey in filming. If things go well, I hope to go to film school. Until then, I will make the most of this opportunity to earn.

Q: What advice would you like to give the junior batches?

I would advise everyone not to hold themselves back from exploring something new. Insti is full of opportunities; make the most of the resources at your disposal. These are the times when you can learn and fall, but there is a safety net that will always protect you. Also, always reflect on whether you are investing your time in something meaningful and worthwhile.

Q: If you could swap places with any faculty member for a day, who would it be and why?

I would swap with Prof. Mazhhar Kamran, he has many equipment available and I would like to make that available for students.

Q: If you could have one superpower in Insti, what would it be?

I would love to know all the gossip in the Insti.

Q: Insti favourites: quick-fire round

Favourite hangout spot? Rooftops
Favourite food joint? Aromas
Favourite prof? none
Favourite course? First-year photography course
Even semester or odd semester? Odd Semester

Dhairya reflected on his PAF (Performance Arts Festival) experience:

“It was my peak experience at the institute. We faced backlash from some students but I didn’t let it affect me much. However, before the next PAF, some video clips of the previous act went viral, causing a huge uproar among viewers. People reacted in different ways. It was amusing to watch a news channel debating the clips and making ridiculous accusations.

I remember laughing so hard with my friends in the mess. It was not all fun, though; the whole incident took a huge toll on me, and receiving snide remarks often left me stressed and anxious, so I mostly tried to isolate myself and not contribute as much as I would have liked. It was like a small-scale war with the institute.”