Second Runner Up - Bucket List Competition

~Mukul Anissh G, 23ME10103

Life at IIT Kharagpur is a whirlwind of experiences, and although we’re very frequently hit with the rush of deadlines and exams, I’ve often found myself yearning for moments that make life here special. My bucket list is not just about ticking off experiences, rather it’s about challenging my boundaries by doing something new, and finding joy in the simplest of adventures. This is a list of things I would like to do, to make memories which last a lifetime.

1. Learn to Surf at Chandipur Beach
   Surfing has always fascinated me. There’s something about the ocean’s raw power and the thrill of riding a wave that feels like freedom. I want to learn to surf at Chandipur Beach, where the sea recedes for miles during low tide, creating an otherworldly landscape.
   I plan to take a few days off during the mid-semester break, find a local surf instructor, and spend time mastering the basics. It won’t be easy. Balancing on a board, battling the waves. But that’s part of the adventure.
   More than just learning to surf, I expect this experience to teach me resilience. Each time I fall, I’ll have to get back up, and in those moments, I’ll learn to embrace failure and keep pushing forward.

2. Host a Midnight Barbecue
   There’s a particular thrill in doing something spontaneous with friends under the starry sky. Hosting a midnight barbecue is my way of breaking the routine and creating a memory that all of us will look back on fondly.
   I’ll gather a group of friends, pool in resources for a portable grill, and get our hands on some marinated food from amazon fresh or from More Supermarket near the campus. The plan is to keep it a surprise, to make it as spontaneous as possible. This will keep the excitement alive.
   I expect this night to be filled with laughter, stories and freedom. It’ll be a chance to disconnect from our screens, enjoy the simple pleasure of good food, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and of course, make a memory for a lifetime.

3. Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter
   I’ve always had a soft spot for animals, and I want to make a difference in their lives. Volunteering at a local animal shelter is my way of giving back to the community and spending time with creatures that bring so much joy into the world.
   I’ll just try to spend time with the animals, whether it’s feeding the animals, cleaning their spaces, or simply giving them the love and attention they deserve.
   This experience will ground me, get rid of stress and get a chance to experience innocent love. I expect to walk away with a deeper appreciation for life and the satisfaction of knowing I’ve made a small but meaningful impact.

4. Get on a Hot Air Balloon
   I’ve always been fascinated by flight, and the idea just getting away from the ground and getting to soar into the sky is exhilarating. It might be scary, but it excites me to no end. To view the world from a bird’s eye is going to be one hell of an experience.
   All I’ve got to do is find a beautiful hillscape with gorgeous views and get on a hot air balloon.
   I expect it to be one of the best experiences of life. I can’t even imagine how peaceful and quiet the world will be from up there. Every problem of ours will start to seem insignificant with such a large perspective. I believe it is something everyone must experience at least once in life, especially when stressed and when life is worrying us too much.

5. Participate in a “Blind Book Exchange” on Campus
   Reading has always been my passion, and I believe that books have the power to connect people. I want to participate in a “blind book exchange” where students wrap their favorite books with just the genre written on top of the cover and exchange them with others without knowing what they’re getting in return.
   The idea is to foster a sense of community and curiosity, introducing others to the stories that have affected us. This will be a really good way to find people of your same interests and get closer to them. It will build friendships which have a great story to tell.
   This will let people spark conversations, create new friendships, and get people access to books. It’s not just about the books; it’s about the connections we make through them. And of course, getting to know the opinions of someone after reading my favorite book will give me a different insight. I think this will be quite fun and I would definitely engage myself immensely.