~Pravalika Das(21CH10045)
This is the journey of Pravalika Das, a fourth-year undergraduate student of the Department of Chemical Engineering, enrolled in its B.Tech course. She is a national-level swimmer with 1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals to her name and achieved all these accolades between the ages of 9 and 12! At the Inter-IIT level, she has broken records 16 times, won 15 gold medals, earned the ‘Best Swimmer’ title thrice, helped bag the ‘Best Women’s Swimming Team’ trophy, and celebrated with 2 Alumni Cup (Sports and Games) trophies till now.
My Journey to KGP
I joined IIT Kharagpur in my second year (2022) after the long COVID hiatus. My time here has been a rollercoaster of academics, swimming, and exploring new things. Let me take you through my journey in three parts: what I expected before coming here, the reality I faced, and what I’ve gained. Let’s dive in!
Before KGP: Dreaming Big
Before coming to KGP, I imagined a super competitive environment, especially in aquatics. I’d seen photos of Institute Awards and Medals, and honestly, they seemed larger than life. I used to wonder what it must take to earn such honors—it felt like a far-off dream.
At the same time, I wasn’t very confident. I had to quit swimming due to medical issues at the age of 13, and for six long years, I was out of touch with the water. Adding to this, when I joined KGP, I was struggling with depression and anxiety, which made everything feel even more overwhelming. I doubted myself constantly and felt unsure about how I would adapt to the academic rigors and new environment.
At KGP: Reality Hits (With a Splash)
When I finally jumped back into the pool at KGP, I discovered something amazing—I still had the speed I did six years ago! Sure, I wasn’t any faster, but I wasn’t slower either. I poured my heart into swimming and took on leadership roles like Secretary: Aquatics, hoping to give back to the sport that gave me so much.
Preparing for Inter-IIT was an intense experience. Balancing rigorous training sessions, my duties as Secretary, and academics was tough. There were times I was completely exhausted, but I always felt fulfilled. Over the years, I kept swimming and took on other responsibilities: Vice-Captain (Aquatics) for GC 2022, Captain for GC 2023, General Secretary: Sports and Games for my Hall, Inter-IIT Women’s Captain in my third year, and eventually Inter-IIT Contingent Captain and Women’s Departmental Representative in my final year.
Balancing It All: Academics and Beyond
Now, you might wonder, “What about academics?” I’ll admit, it wasn’t always easy, but I’m a planner. My Google Calendar became my best friend for tracking deadlines, assignments, tests, and study schedules. Having a study buddy helped too! I hate procrastinating, so I made sure I stayed on top of my coursework.
Some of my batchmates thought I was taking on too much and told me sports wouldn’t add value to my life. They even suggested I focus more on “tech stuff.” But here’s what I’ve learned: they were wrong—at least about sports.
Firstly, adding my sports achievements to my resume made it stand out during interviews. I’ve seen this work not just for me but for others too. Secondly, swimming and physical training were the best stress busters—they cleared my mind and rejuvenated my day. Thirdly, being part of sports brought me close to seniors who became my mentors. They guided me through internships, subject selection, and campus life. Thanks to their support and my Inter-IIT experiences, I secured a McKinsey shortlist during internship season and a BCG shortlist during placements! Swimming didn’t just help me with my physical health—it played a huge role in managing my mental health. During tough or stressful times, swimming would calm my mind and help me regain focus. It became my therapy, helping me navigate the anxiety and depression I’d faced earlier. I always felt a sense of peace in the water that I couldn’t find anywhere else.
Wrapping Up: What I’ve Gained
Looking back, my time at KGP has been nothing short of transformative. It taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of chasing passions, no matter what others say. Swimming may have started as a childhood love, but here at KGP, it became a cornerstone of my growth.
So, to anyone wondering whether it’s worth balancing academics and extracurriculars like sports—trust me, it is. You might not always break records or win medals, but you’ll definitely find your own version of success. And hey, who knows? You might even make some lifelong friends along the way.
