24/06/2023
Yesterday, we bid farewell, and I couldn't express my thoughts. Engineering was never my first choice after completing my Plus Two, like many others. Mathematics had always been difficult for me, and engineering papers were full of math.
I scored only 65 marks in Plus Two, and I considered myself fortunate to have achieved even that. Allow me to share my story. I had been actively involved in electronics-related programs like science fairs and working on various projects for quite some time. Naturally, my parents, relatives, and friends assumed I would opt for engineering. However, my desires were quite different. Initially, I considered pursuing a BA in History or a BA LLB course, fueled by a strong inclination to clear the Group A exam. Unfortunately, due to various pressures and advice, I couldn't pursue those degrees, and engineering became my only option.
Finally, I joined an engineering entrance class without much interest. Meanwhile, without informing my family, I applied for an allotment at Kannur University. Eventually, I joined a private engineering college in Ernakulam (Adhisankara Engineering College) through management quota. I was already familiar with this college, and it felt like the right place for me to grow. It provided excellent facilities, perhaps because it was a private institution, but one of the premium institutes in Ernakulam district and Kerala. After attending classes there for just a few days, I made the decision to leave. It wasn't because the college was lacking, but rather because I found a group of amazing people there from the management side. They refunded my entire fee, including the hostel fee. At that time, I was also facing financial difficulties at home. Though my mother had a plan to pay the fees, I didn't want to continue there.
A senior student advised me to focus on my studies if I was continuing Adhisankara because colleges are very strict in academics, particularly because I had a fear of mathematics. With that in mind, I headed straight to Kasaragod L.B.S. Engineering College. Despite facing opposition from everyone except my parents and close relatives, I remained undeterred. I knew I could always return home if necessary. In our district, there were only 3 engineering colleges, and L.B.S. was the best one. So, I enrolled in the Electronics and Communication department.
(Note: There are more interesting stories behind all these experiences, which I will share later.)
Because I joined late, I had limited bonding opportunities in the classroom. However, as time went on, I began to adapt to the class environment and connect with my classmates. The first year was filled with a strict and demanding schedule. Maintaining 75% attendance was mandatory, preventing me from participating in external programs due to the fear of falling short of attendance. On one occasion, when I was called to Thiruvananthapuram to introduce robotics to children at a program organized by the state police cyberdom, a teacher told me, "Your attendance will be short, and you can't write the university exam if your attendance is short." It left me drained. At that moment, I generalized that all teachers in the college held the same attitude, even though it was just one or two who made such comments. On another day, a teacher called my mother and made disrespectful remarks because I had attended one technical program (it happened in the second semester). Finally, I completed the first semester after 3 months, which didn't even offer a proper semester break. The second semester began in January, and I missed out on many opportunities due to my fear of attendance and the discouraging attitude of a couple of staff members in the college.
During college arts, sports, and other programs, normally college suspends regular classes. I avoided those events and engaged in my own activities or visiting her (because I wanted to maintain 75% attendance and also participate in activities in the first year). Although some classmates initially harbored animosity towards me due to bunking during events in college, they eventually understood when I explained my situation.
On March 13, the college closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We never thought the college would close for 1.5 years. During the pandemic, I refused to sit idle. I pursued my hobby of electronics and studied online MOOC courses. However, limitations arose, and just when I thought things couldn't get worse, my laptop got damaged. I found myself reminiscing about the days when I used to talk to my girlfriend (now ex). One day her phone got damaged, but we managed to avoid a communication gap. One day, my mom bought a bottle of sanitizer with a hand-push system. I wondered if it could be operated with my feet, and thus, I began experimenting. Eventually, I created a foot-operated sanitizer dispenser using a bicycle brake cable. It was a simple tool that received positive feedback from everyone. I even set up the experiment at the Kanhangad police station, where it garnered praise. Many institutions in the district received similar foot-operated sanitizer dispensers donated by colleges, all made under the guidance of the college. With several orders, I produced around 80 units of foot-operated dispensers and 50 units of automatic ones.
I tried to make different projects related to COVID-19, such as emergency ventilators and UV disinfection rovers, and social distance monitors. The college provided support for these endeavors. However, my biggest mistake was starting a YouTube channel, resulting in losses. Facing setbacks, I underwent a complete transformation, which caused issues in my relationship and led to certain people leaving me. I don't blame her; I couldn't sustain it. I failed to maintain that relationship and tried to patch things up in many ways, but there was no result. I always tried to irritate my loved ones (close friends) to approach her and sort out the issues, but no result. Finally, my loved ones also left me. I had to give up my electronics hobbies and other technical activities, which was disappointing for some time. Nevertheless, life moves on. I began volunteering at our Thanal Charity Club (my best friends were also included in this) and participated in related programs, as well as the college admission helpdesk.
As there were no new projects and social media updates from my side, a professor from another department called me and asked, "What happened, Sreenivas?" He called me to the college to discuss my situation. He advised me to move on; it's normal for all. He informed me about a program where I was going to meet the Chief Minister as a university representative regarding Navakeralam. the college's decision was to send me as a representative That's why he called me. During that time, I got to know many people, and my face started to glow with smiles. However, those past days made me depressed for a few days. I never acted like this in front of my parents because their expectations of me are big. So, I decided to make and maintain the happiness as before.
When I planned to quit BTech, I considered the first-semester results in May 2020, which came back with two backlogs. Mathematics, chemistry, and all the associated problems and outcomes made me consider leaving. The exams were challenging, and my weak foundation in math became apparent. Based on those thoughts, I made the decision to quit BTech. I then joined Indira Gandhi Open University to fulfill my initial aspirations and attempted to obtain a transfer certificate from the college, but it didn't work out. A professor from another department explained things to me and helped me find solace. In a way, I felt contained.
I studied diligently during the third semester and passed. It was then that I realized I could do it. However, old memories kept resurfacing, reminding me of my abandoned electronics projects and other hobbies, and the loneliness I felt. I limited myself to watching YouTube videos for educational purposes, engaging in charity activities, and embarking on solo scooter trips, and keep messaging her
After a few months, we received a notification from the college's technical clubs, IEEE and IEDC, recruiting volunteers. I joined both clubs to accumulate as many brownie points as possible. Sarith sir appointed me as the leader of IEDC, which felt like a fortunate coincidence. Leadership wasn't my strong suit, but in my leadership, the club provided numerous opportunities to execute programs. IEEE, an American-based organization of engineers, also flourished due to its extensive membership and presence in the college. These platforms offered opportunities for technical activities, workshops, projects, seminars, and humanitarian initiatives. Recently, I stepped down as the chairman of IEEE, and I even received the Malabar Hub Award for Best Chairman. It taught me more lessons.
The main reason I remained in college was due to the support I received from four individuals: Principal Shukur sir, Mujeeb sir, Rensi sir, and Sarit sir. They played instrumental roles in assisting me with various projects and programs. The teachers here have also been supportive. When I went for an outside event in Thiruvananthapuram, one sir offered me money for travel expenses. During my time in college, I generated revenue for my pocket expenses by taking technical classes, joining paid internships conducting workshops, arranging resource persons, doing technical work, which I used for pocket expenses, enjoying solo scooter rides, and treating myself to my favorite food& favorite spots. Additionally, my parents and sometimes my sister also provided me with money when I went somewhere. They have been my pillars of support and have nurtured my hobbies since a young age.
The third year of classes resumed offline immediately after the COVID-19 period, and since then, there has been great support from everyone to participate in programs and events. Attendance that year was relatively low, and duty leaves and attendance condonation were granted, considering that most students were engaged in college activities and representing the institution. I never misused such opportunities. The electronics department teachers have been lenient, including all students without discrimination, which has benefited everyone without exception. I have had the privilege of meeting the Chief Minister twice as a student, and I consider it lucky. Being a student has opened up numerous avenues for us, and it is a safe zone (not for misuse). The departmental teachers and my juniors in college have provided me with valuable experiences. I will miss my batchmates, drivers, security personnel, and the canteen staff. However, I have assured them that I will always be available if they need assistance. If I ever achieve success in any field, I will do my best to contribute to the college.
There are many more things that could be included, and some details may have been left out due to privacy matters of others as well as mine, but this is the current state of me.
SREENIVAS PAI K
ECE
2019-23 BATCH
LBSCEK
with Rensi sir &Sarith sir
1. With classmates and Staffs
2. with sheen miss and a couple of friends
Various Moments on campus with friends and juniors