Engineering at IITM, as we all know is very theoretical in nature. With the exception of workshops (specially filing), most experiments in engineering are us watching TA’s do something that we don’t clearly understand with equipment that we clearly can’t touch, let alone use. So the budding engineer in me needed other ways to use my talents.
I found my chance in the third semester. Insti was under a series of blackouts and it was the month of November. I had a math end-sem the next day and that current cut had run into nearly 10 hours. It was hot and stuffy. My friends were considering going to Ascendas and study in the CCD there or were using 5-6 candles to give them some feel to study. However, in my case neither was an option. More than the light, I wanted the fan to run. So I decided to make the fan run with mechanical power. I took a string and tied it to hub of the fan and coiled it around itself till it reached my shoulder height. And then all I had to do was let it uncoil and voila, it would make the blades turn. I even called my friends to observe the grand inauguration of my invention. As a group of expectant friends looked on, the fan did 3 twists and stopped. They broke into hysteria. I was embarrassed to the core. I tried a few more times with different variations of length and force, but all it did was to make them laugh even more. As I finally realized what a stupid idea it turned out to be, I was still satisfied with my creativity and engineering spirit.
My stay in insti has managed to give me an irrational but very real fear of deer. It all began a day before the triathlon race. I wanted to get myself in shape before the competition. So I started cycling from Cauvery mess and started to pick up speed as I went down the road to Gurunath. As I was speeding down the road, there happened to be deer that was crossing the road too. I tried to put my brakes on but as with many cycles in Insti, they didn’t work. The collision was destiny .As my world became horizontal, the deer happily ran into the bushes as though it was bit by a fly. Slowly, I stood up badly injured and watched the people around me laughing and some coming over to help me. Ob, I was unable to participate in the triathlon the next day and have kept my distance from these so-called harmless creatures ever since.
Such experiences have made my life at IITM truly memorable. I will definitely miss this place. Saraskimaaka. ……..
About the author: Prajwal N Shetty (Chowki) is a 4th year student of BT/AE. A part of the Institute Water Polo team in his 3rd year and having shown infinite enthu in Litsoc and Schroeter for Godav, Chowki has been placed in iNautix. His passions include winning eating competitions for his wing and his hostel. The enthusiasm and spirit he displays while taking part in Litsoc even in his final year inspires many of his juniors!
-Chowki, may you remain forever happy!
GO GODAV!
No comments:
Post a Comment