My parents graduated in the late 80s from IIT Kanpur, which used to be the best IIT at their point in time
Computer Science closed at AIR 45, and there were 43 seats in CS, so they met (and were) some of the most brilliant minds of their time.
My mother was one of the five girls of her batch on campus, with the total strength being 550. I find this a feat truly amazing to achieve when girls doing science were laughed at or even barred.
For me, the IITs were never hallowed institutions, just great places with very brilliant people. Having studied there, I do see how them being from an IIT has greatly shaped my own life.
Early Days: My father bought a computer before we had a car, when a PC was as expensive as a car. I was two and accustomed to the computer from that age. I also got my first LEGO set, and I was hooked. This was very different from the set of toys other kids had. I implicitly learnt how to stretch my imagination by exploring LEGO’s infinite possibilities. The TV had just come into India, and in hindsight, I realised what a geeky kid I was, watching NatGeo and Discovery over the regular Cartoon Network. I grew up with an encyclopedia. In retrospect, this was mainly because of my parents.
Formative Years: Growing up was fun. My reading habits and general exposure to information made me begin quizzing. My parents are approachable, and I could talk to them about anything. Unlike most parents who would usually force their children to study, my parents always let me decide what to do. I had quite a lot of freedom, which I sometimes misused, but that also taught me how to respect it. I took the JEE not because my parents were from the IITs but because it was something I liked to do. I loved Physics. I still do.
College: I cleared the JEE, ranking better than my parents (my mother had the higher one!). I regularly get the no-credit “Parents IIT ke hai, usi liye ho gaya iska (Both his parents are IITians, so he would inevitably get in)”. My parents find it extremely funny, but to a large extent, that statement is correct. I was too unfocused, and they gave me a sense of direction. I talked to them about everything that happened. Even in my first year, I had a good idea of what was in store for me because they shared what was glorified and what was real. Having parents from the same college makes life simpler and negates a significant chance of getting disillusioned, which happens at key junctures.
Work: My parents eventually evolved into friendly mentors. I was very close to Mom growing up, but I have grown increasingly close to Dad over the last decade. I’ve always seen them lead by example rather than instruction. They fought every battle in the trenches, celebrated every victory side by side. You realise how exceptional this is when you begin to see your parents as humans and not just superheroes.
I know, Mum that you are reading this and smiling, but it’s just one small way of saying “Thank you for everything”.