STORY CREDITS

Writer/Editor: Shivangi Vasudev Bhatt

Photo: Media and Communication, IIT Gandhinagar

In the long run, Rama wishes to serve society on a bigger platform by getting into active politics.

As the new Student Council at IITGN gears up to take over their responsibilities and make a mark, it seems the right time to tell you about a remarkable piece of history that has been created at IITGN in the past one year.

Meet Rama Balhara, the outgoing student General Secretary of IITGN and most likely the first-ever post-graduate female student to be a General Secretary in the history of IITs. Growing up in Rohtak, Rama always looked up to her father for serving society; and it was one of the most cherished moments for her when she won the student election at IITGN and went on to don the duties as one of the most significant student representatives of the Institute.

Recalling her journey at IITGN, Rama says that her dream of becoming an IITian was fulfilled when she joined IITGN to pursue her master’s – “Later, the atmosphere, facilities, and supportive nature of my guide at IITGN encouraged me to convert my master’s degree into a PhD. My overall journey in IITGN has been full of challenges, but I have enjoyed each moment and learnt a lot here.” She has also played an active role in coordinating various events at the Institute and represented IITGN at different inter-college sports festivals. She loves to interact with people, solve puzzles, and play badminton and air hockey.

Rama is currently pursuing her PhD in Mechanical Engineering under the guidance of Prof Madhu Vadali. As a part of her PhD research, she is trying to increase the strength of a material by reducing the existing stress within a body using laser-processing techniques.

KNOW MORE ABOUT RAMA
  • Motto for Life: “To infinity and beyond…” (From the movie ‘Toy Story’)
  • One thing which you would not exchange for anything: Guts and confidence to accept any challenge
  • Describe yourself in one word: Passionate, Bold, and Positive
  • Secret mantra for managing studies and extra-curricular activities: The more responsibilities you will have, the more efficient you will be and the more disciplined you get, the easier it becomes to be even more disciplined.
  • The most important skills you have learnt at IITGN: Leadership, accept challenges and strive to learn new things.