Jaate Jaate
~Kaple Rasika Dnyaneshwar
How would you summarize your life at IITR?
Honestly, it’s hard to put it into words — it feels like a mix of the most random, intense, and unforgettable experiences, all packed into a few years. IITR gave me exposure in ways I didn’t even realize at the time — I met people who thought so differently from me, worked on things I had zero clue about initially, and slowly figured out how to make space for myself in all of it.
From running around for events, managing team chaos, and late-night discussions that started with ‘just 5 mins’ and went on for hours — IITR really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Somewhere between all the madness, I picked up the confidence to show up, speak up, and take ownership — not just of work, but of who I am.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was real — and that’s what made it so special.
What did you feel / think the first time you heard about UBA?
I actually found out about UBA through an event they conducted — Sociothon. And honestly, it instantly clicked with me. It felt really refreshing to see that there was a space on campus where we weren’t just learning technical stuff for the sake of it, but actually using it to help real people and make a visible difference at the ground level.
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At that point, I didn’t know much about rural development or how complex it could get, but the idea that our ideas and projects could reach beyond the campus walls was exciting. It wasn’t just about building models or writing reports — it was about listening to people, understanding their lives, and then figuring out what role we could play.
What is your biggest takeaway being a part of team UBA?
It’s honestly hard to pick just one, because UBA gave me so much. UBA truly shaped a huge part of my college journey. One of my biggest takeaways has been the confidence to work in completely unfamiliar spaces. I still remember my first village visit — I had no clue what to expect, but by the end of it, I found myself asking questions, talking to locals, and trying to understand their daily challenges. It was chaotic, and kind of amazing.
Other than the professionalism and confidence UBA helped me build, what will truly stay with me are the friendships. From seniors to batchmates to juniors, I will cherish every moment spent with the fam!
Any quote you cherish or advice you would like to share?
Tum logo ka dhyan rakho toh kaam ka dhyan apne aap reh jayega’ — passed on to me by my beloved seniors. This line stayed with me throughout college. We often stress so much about deadlines, deliverables, and getting things done perfectly — but the truth is, if you take care of your people, the work flows.
Teams thrive when everyone feels seen, supported, and safe. So be kind, check in, and don’t forget to laugh through the chaos. The rest sorts itself out. Work hard, party harder!
