— Ansari Usama

I often reflect on how far I have come from my humble beginnings in Mumbai. Growing up in a middle-class family, I was the first person to graduate in my family. No one before me had pursued higher education, let alone attended an IIT or ventured outside India for academic opportunities. This meant I lacked the guidance and mentorship often essential for navigating such paths.

Even after graduating as the topper of my Mechanical Engineering batch at Mumbai University in 2018, I faced significant challenges. Despite my stellar academic record and a dream to pursue a Master’s degree abroad, financial constraints held me back. Watching that dream slip away was a huge setback—it left me disheartened and questioning my next steps.

Struggling to find a good job after graduation, I began working at a Material Testing Laboratory, TCR Engineering Services, in Navi Mumbai. While the experience was valuable, my aspirations were higher. I wanted to contribute to cutting-edge technology and make a meaningful impact, but the path seemed unclear.

A turning point came when a professor during my undergraduate studies inspired me to look inward and aim for India’s premier institutions. Encouraged, I decided to prepare for the GATE. Without access to formal coaching, I relied on self-study, scouring reference books, YouTube lectures, and my own notes. It was a challenging period, but the effort paid off—I secured admission to IIT Madras in 2021 for an MS in Engineering Design.

At IIT Madras, my journey took a transformative turn. I immersed myself in Soft Robotics research, focusing on developing a Soft Bioinspired Gripper for Horticulture Applications. Under the guidance of Professor Asokan Thondiyath, I worked on this innovative project and found it thrilling to see my ideas take shape. It was even more rewarding to receive recognition for my work. This effort earned me the prestigious IIT Madras-Samsung Pravartak Fellowship for research in Cyber-Physical Systems, and I was honored to present my findings at the All India Research Scholar Summit (AIRSS) 2024.

I also participated in the ‘Engineering: The Environment Mentorship Program’, where I was mentored by Rajesh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Arunachal Pradesh. Together, we discussed various aspects of environmental topics, sustainability, wildlife conservation, and climate change.

Beyond academics, IIT Madras became a space where I could grow as a leader and mentor. As the Student Head of MiTR, I led initiatives to support the emotional well-being of students. I mentored aspiring innovators through the iBOT Club, contributed to disaster preparedness as a Coordinator in the Disaster Management Committee, and strengthened alumni-student connections as a Strategist at the Alumni Relations Cell.

These experiences shaped not only my skills but also my vision. Coming from a background where guidance was scarce, I understood the struggles of students from underserved communities. This inspired me to create CareerlyMate, an online mentorship platform that helps students from rural and Tier 2/3/4 colleges access postgraduate opportunities. Starting as a grassroots initiative during the pandemic, it has now grown into a platform that connects students with mentors, organizes guidance sessions, and provides valuable resources.

The entrepreneurial spirit I discovered at IIT Madras was further nurtured during my time in the UPSCALE startup accelerator program. Through intensive workshops and networking opportunities, I refined CareerlyMate to make an even larger impact.

As I prepare to graduate this December, I am looking ahead with renewed hope and determination. My future plans include scaling CareerlyMate to reach more students and creating a broader ecosystem of educational and mentorship opportunities. I also aim to explore collaborative research in Soft Robotics and interdisciplinary technology that addresses real-world problems.

My journey from a material testing laboratory in Navi Mumbai to the vibrant campus of IIT Madras is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of education. Each setback has shaped me, and every opportunity has strengthened my resolve to empower others.

From being the first graduate in my family to stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, my story proves that the path to success may not always be straightforward, but with persistence and purpose, it can be deeply rewarding. I am excited for what lies ahead and ready to take the next leap, driven by the same passion and aspirations that have brought me here.