Aneesh Kamat: 8 random Seniors

Meet Aneesh Kamat, an undergraduate from the Engineering Physics department who has balanced an extraordinary academic journey with significant extracurricular achievements. As the Institute Literary Arts Secretary, he earned the Institute Organisational Colour. As captain of the Boys’ Squash team, he won a medal at the Inter IIT Sports Meet. He is currently researching Quantum Computing in Germany.

1. Tell us about yourself and about your journey leading up to here?

   I grew up in Hyderabad and prepared for JEE at FIITJEE after high school. My passion for the intersection of engineering and basic sciences led me to choose the Engineering Physics Department.

2. Which clubs and teams were you part of?

   I was a Literati Convener and later the Institute Literary Arts Secretary. My major challenge as Secretary was reviving the Literati Club post-pandemic. I introduced the IITB Scrabble Open, which attracted around 50 participants from three countries and was accredited by WESPA, the global governing body for Scrabble. This effort contributed to our winning Gold in Scrabble and Bronze in Cryptic Crosswords at the Inter IIT Cultural Meet. I also spearheaded the offline revival of our flagship festival, Literarium, and relaunched our annual magazine, Echoes.

   In sports, I was heavily involved in racket sports. A key moment was the Racketlon tournament, where my roommate and I formed a team: I played squash and lawn tennis, while he played table tennis and badminton. My success in squash led the coach to recruit me to build the squash team. Under my captaincy, the team won Gold in Udghosh at IIT Kanpur and Bronze in the Inter IIT Sports Meet at IIT Roorkee.

   Additionally, I participated in Symphony, the music club, performing as a keyboardist in Surbahaar, representing my hostel H2 in the Goonj GC, and taking part in various band competitions. I even launched a remotely produced band cover on YouTube!

3. Tell us a bit about your journey throughout these four years.

   Academically driven, I participated in the Summer of Science each year, exploring topology and quantum computing. I started my BTP early, in the 6th semester, and secured a pivotal internship at TIFR, Colaba, working on a project with DRDO, TCS, and TIFR to develop India’s first quantum computer. This project became my bachelor thesis and earned me a nomination for the prestigious URA. I am now pursuing research on quantum technology with a full scholarship at RWTH Aachen, Germany. My 8th semester was spent ticking off bucket list items, exploring Bandra’s cafes, participating in Surbahaar, Goonj, and sports GCs, and mentoring physics sophomores and ARP mentees.

4. What was your go-to stress buster or hobby that helped you survive on campus?

   I often stayed up late, walking by the lakeside with friends, grabbing late-night snacks at Amul canteen or Chaayos, or heading to Hiranandani for ice cream. Gymkhana was my favourite spot for both sports and stargazing.

5. What are your favourite spots in the institute?

   Himadri terrace, which I discovered recently, is my favourite. The sunsets are stunning, with views of the moon over the lake and the cityscape. It’s a bit tricky to access, so I recommend going with friends.

6. Any funny incidents you’d like to share?

   After COVID, the Physics department’s library and computer lab evolved from quiet study spaces into lively hubs with hidden food stashes and frequent game nights. My friends and I would spend entire days in the computer room—sleeping, eating, attending classes, and returning. This tradition has humorously been passed on to the juniors.

7. An interesting fact about yourself.

   I’m fundamentally optimistic and confident, guided by my father’s “AND” philosophy: if you have to choose between two paths, try to walk both. To manage time and energy, my father gifted me a jar of rocks and pebbles as a reminder to prioritise the big rocks first.

8. What are your future plans?

   I will continue my research in quantum technology at RWTH Aachen, Germany, with a fully funded scholarship.

9. What is something you’re proud of having accomplished during your journey here?

   I’m very proud of my tenure as Institute Literary Arts Secretary and Squash Captain. I particularly cherish my role as ILAS for reviving the literary arts culture post-pandemic. Receiving the Institute Organisational Colour was a significant recognition of these efforts.

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

    I regret not being more involved in tech teams, as many struggled to transition post-COVID. I also wish I had started my research earlier and encourage juniors to begin small projects in their second year.

11. A message you would like to give to your fellow batchmates – the outgoing batch.

   It is very important to stay connected, not just with your juniors and peers but also with your seniors – it is surprisingly easy to plan reunions! Fundamentally, be empathetic and keep giving back to the strong student culture that we have at IIT Bombay. Always look to help out your juniors whenever possible, as they are just as anxious about reaching out to you as you were reaching out to alums when you were in college. Remember, the guidance you provide can make a significant difference in their journey.

12. Some tips you would like to give to students here or some realisations as you end your journey here.

    As students you have the right to someone’s time – whether it be professors, seniors, DAMP mentors, or alums. Leverage the rich and diverse network you have here, build good relations with everyone as you can never underestimate the value of this community. Recognize your professors as experienced individuals, who can be a mentor figure for you, not as unapproachable sages. Be open about your struggles and challenges, it’s easier for your network to help you if they are aware of what help you need.  

13. Any one-liner to sum it all up

    Borrowing from OnePlus: “Never settle.” College is not for complacency; it’s for experiencing everything.

Editorial Credits: Aarya Gaikwad