From Campus to Carnegie Mellon: Adit Rambhia’s Stellar Journey at IITGN

At the recently concluded 14th Convocation of IIT Gandhinagar, Adit Atul Rambhia walked away with two of the Institute’s highest honors—the Director’s Gold Medal and the Commendation for Outstanding Performance in Sports—recognition that reflects not just academic distinction, but a four-year journey marked by discipline, versatility, and quiet determination.

Adit, a Mumbai native, grew up in a family deeply connected to science and care—his mother an Ayurvedic doctor and his father a polymer engineer. These influences inspired Adit to explore the intersections of various disciplines. While pursuing materials engineering at IIT Gandhinagar, he took full advantage of the Institute’s open curriculum, delving into biomedical engineering, robotics, and management. This academic freedom shaped his passion for the biomedical applications of functional materials.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Adit shares, “Courses like Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration and research with professors such as Dr. Sriharitha Rowthu and Dr. Abhijit Mishra transformed my perspective. I realised how materials can impact real lives through healthcare, wound healing, and even water purification.” His pursuit of knowledge extended beyond India. A pivotal research internship at Texas A&M University in the United States exposed him to cutting-edge work in soft robotics and medical devices. This experience broadened his understanding of global design and manufacturing practices and solidified his decision to pursue a master’s in biomedical engineering. 

Adit’s story stands out for his ability to balance academic rigour with a deep commitment to sports and student leadership. As a competitive swimmer, he represented IIT Gandhinagar at multiple Inter-IIT vibhinn  Meets, earning medals at the national level. “The support from the IITGN community was invaluable. Each win brought recognition, awards, and better access to equipment, which motivated me to keep pushing,” he recalls.

Beyond personal achievements, Adit played a pivotal role as Sports Secretary, organising IITGN’s first-ever General Championship—a campus-wide sporting event that significantly enriched the Institute’s sports culture. Balancing multiple responsibilities required careful prioritisation. “During Inter-IIT meets, swimming and academics came first. When organising events, I focused fully on that role. It’s about giving your full attention to what matters most at that moment,” Adit explains.

Interestingly, Adit had to step away from competitive swimming during his JEE preparation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he maintained his connection to sports through casual exercise, which helped him stay focused. Returning to IITGN reignited his competitive spirit. 

Adit admits he initially had reservations about joining a newer IIT, but his experience surpassed expectations. “I wondered if the opportunities here would match those at older IITs. Looking back, I realise IITGN gave me everything—academics, research, sports, leadership, and exposure beyond the classroom. I was able to explore diverse interests and make informed choices about my future.”

Reflecting on his four years, Adit finds it difficult to choose a single defining moment, though his first gold medal at an Inter-IIT meet and the celebrations that followed hold a special place in his heart. His advice to future students is both simple and profound: “Do what you can with what you have and where you are. You can’t control everything, but you can make the most of what’s in front of you.”

As Adit contemplates a Master’s offer from Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, he prepares to embark on his next chapter, leaving behind a legacy that bridges academic excellence, research innovation, sportsmanship, and leadership—a true embodiment of the 21st-century engineer.