Alumni Speak
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Krishanth Arunasalam, B.Tech (2009-13)
A note to the graduating class: You are alive!
Yes, that’s right. You would probably run down anything that challenges you and throw over anything
that stands in your way. You would feel refreshed when every drop of blood is cleansed at your
breath. You are alive today; invincible, powerful and ready.
It is elevating.
Get ready to say good-bye to the institution that housed you for four long years which seems like a
jiffy at this instance, to every standing building which means different things to different people, to
your beloved faculty, to the care-free student life (from unwashed clothes, unshaven beard,
uncombed hair to penniless wallet, last minute studying and other remiss things you did) and the
most morose, bid farewell to that friend who you hung out with, this friend who’s notes you always
borrowed, that very cute girl who lit up your day, that guy who never asked you out and all the friends
who were part of your life through thick and thin, who’ve become family at this moment. Awakening
this thought is not something I desire, but certain truths are inalienable.
On the other hand, get ready to welcome a different life. Some on a noble pursuit of academics and
some prepared to divulge into the corporate world. Be prepared to say hello to deadlines, discipline,
schedule, meetings, grumpy bosses (maybe), lengthy hours of work and salaries at the end of the
month, of course. Include financial independence and freedom in life. Have you met responsibility?
It’s rudimentary to save, invest, purchase, spend, calculate and pay bills & taxes. It could be more
hard work than you anticipate or a lot of thinking. It’s another step in all your lives.
At a moment when you might feel let down or put off, at a moment when you feel insurmountable
mental pressure or rage and arrogance, at a moment when you feel exhausted or when your tears
drop, at a moment when you feel there’s nothing left in you or want to give up…remember one thing.
Remember the days in college; the days you never budged on pressure, days you took off your room
to do things to prove people wrong, the days you shunned away sleep to finish tasks relied upon you
and the days giving up was never an option.
You had your blood rushing. You had infinite energy to expend. You had a million different ways to
look at things.
You still do.
You are transformation. You are possibility. You are the future. My dearest friend, you are alive! The
red carpet is laid. Everything is in place. Now, the world awaits your arrival. Get out there and do us
proud. À bientôt. Good luck.
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