‘Research begins with finding your interest’

He was still in school when he discovered that Mathematics was the way forward for him. He was browsing the internet when I came across the website of the Department of Mathematics and Computing at IIT Delhi. The several Math applications he saw really pulled him towards the subject. Watching Veritasium, an acclaimed YouTube channel, further sparked his interest. Meet Abhinandan Mohanty, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Kharghar, who is all set to pursue a PhD in AI at IIT Delhi.

In a candid interview, he talks about how he is fascinated by how everything in nature can be modelled mathematically, among other things.

Share your journey from Apeejay School, Kharghar, to IIT Delhi.

I started my schooling at Apeejay School, Kharghar, and studied there for 14 years, from nursery to Class XII. I had many teachers there who sparked my curiosity and guided me well throughout my school years.

After school, I pursued my bachelor’s and master’s in Mathematics. Now, I will be joining the PhD programme in AI at IIT Delhi. In school, we are taught almost everything we need to know, but at an IIT, students are expected to figure out many things on their own. As I begin my PhD, I feel I will need to apply my knowledge and create something that can be beneficial for society.

How does it feel to continue studying for so many years?

I have basically been studying all my life, so it comes naturally to me. I completed Class XII in 2021, and after that, I spent five years studying Mathematics through my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For me, it feels like another step in the same journey. I finish one course and then start thinking about what I am interested in next.

How did your school shape your career path and interests?

My school played an important role in shaping my career path and interests. As I said, I had many good teachers throughout my schooling life, and there was always proper guidance. I remember that even in middle school, especially from Class VIII onwards, our science teachers would teach us from the textbook but also encourage us to look for scientific concepts in nature. I remember modelling a Jantar Mantar. Such activities helped me connect classroom learning with the real world.

Apart from academics, I also had healthy competition with my peers. Sports taught me values like teamwork and coordination, which have been important in my journey.

What are some of the things you have learned or developed an interest in?

I play football a lot and am very interested in both watching and playing the sport. I also draw sometimes, maybe a sketch or something similar. I have also been motivated by my friends and by social media, especially when I see people doing many different things. That has encouraged me to take up activities that are slightly outside my comfort zone.

You have diverse interests. How do you balance your time?

Studying does take up most of my time, but I try to find time for myself whenever possible. Sometimes that happens during vacations, and sometimes when the coursework is not too heavy. During my bachelor’s and master’s, I tried to take out time for extracurricular activities. There were many clubs, and they helped students participate in different activities that helped me explore interests beyond academics.