Once a Student of The Year, now a Global Student

It was the morning of 22nd August 2022 — my first day at Nath School of Business and Technology (NSBT), but more than that, it was the first day of a version of me I hadn’t met yet. I didn’t step in with overwhelming ambition or loud confidence. I walked in with a soft step, unsure eyes, and a head full of questions. I was, by all means, average — unaware of what I was capable of, unfamiliar with campus life, and uncertain about what lay ahead. But sometimes, all it takes is the right people, the right place, and the right opportunities to transform self-doubt into a success story. And for me, that place was NSBT.

I still remember our very first cultural event — Roobaroo 2022. Being the first batch, we didn’t have seniors to welcome us. So, we did the next best thing — we welcomed ourselves. We planned, performed, cheered, and celebrated together. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. That moment planted the seed of initiative in me — the quiet realization that maybe I could do more. And from that thought, belief began to grow.

My leadership journey started when I became the Class Representative. It may seem like a small role, but for me, it was a lesson in accountability and the quiet strength of representation. From there, I took on more responsibilities — first as President of the Student Council, and later as Vice President. I also had the opportunity to serve as the Student Coordinator for the Bajaj CPBFI (Certificate Program in Banking, Finance & Insurance), which involved managing the coordination between students and the corporate trainers, ensuring smooth communication, and encouraging peer engagement throughout the program. This could have not been possible without the support of the wonderful faculty we have at NSBT. These roles weren’t just badges of honor — they were transformative learning spaces that taught me how to lead with empathy, collaborate across teams, make quick decisions under pressure, and most importantly, remain grounded.

At NSBT, the real learning often began outside the classroom. Through industrial visits to AURIC, Rucha Engineering, Bajaj Auto, and Carlsberg, theories came to life. These visits expanded my worldview and made me realize the vastness of the industry I was preparing for. A particularly defining moment was attending India Soft and Electronics Expo 2024 in Delhi. There, I didn’t just observe future tech — I imagined myself contributing to it.

NSBT didn’t just build technocrats — it nurtured all-rounders. I explored every facet of my personality: from coordinating events like the Brainiacs Quiz, participating in the NSBT Sports Day, to volunteering for the NEP 2020 Conclave. The Tech Fest Hackathon 2023, where I secured the position of 2nd runner-up, fueled my love for using technology to solve real-world challenges.

Receiving the Student of the Year 2024 wasn’t just an award — it was a reflection of everything I had become. But perhaps even more meaningful was the way NSBT stood by me when I began preparing for my Master’s journey in the USA. From helping me craft my Statements of Purpose with the kind guidance of Nivedita Pantawane Ma'am to providing me with Letters of Recommendation from Harsh Jajoo Sir, Amol Warad Sir, and Sanvedi Rane Ma'am —the support was unwavering. Today, as I prepare to join Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) for a Master’s in Data Science, I carry with me the spirit of NSBT — the confidence, the curiosity, and the commitment it nurtured in me.

As I move towards saying goodbye at Riwaaz 2025, the last celebration of my college days, I look back with a heart full of love. NSBT didn't only teach me subjects — it taught me self-worth. It turned my confusion into clarity, fear into leadership, and an average student into the Student of the Year. This journey will always remain the most transformative chapter of my life — one that began with hesitation but ends with pride, purpose, and deep gratitude.