Alumni Speak
‘Stay curious, stay hungry is the real significance of life’
This alumnus from Apeejay School, Greater Noida, credits the lessons taught by his teachers as most beneficial
He has mastered the programming language at his fingertips and now utilises it to the hilt by creating utilitarian apps. Meet Manthan Gupta from the batch of 2017 of Apeejay School, Greater Noida. In a candid interview, he proudly shares how he cut the top 200 engineers in India, as surveyed by GitHub.
What are you doing professionally now?
After school, the journey’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster. I went on to pursue engineering, and over time, I found myself drawn to the world of backend systems and AI. Today, I work remotely as a Senior Systems Engineer II at a US-based company, where I lead the backend and performance vertical.
Share a few of your professional achievements.
One of the things I’m most proud of — mainly because it combines two things I love — is a programming language I built called Criclang, which uses cricket-inspired syntax. It started as a fun side project but ended up being something people connected with.I still have a long way to go, but getting to interact with engineers, CTOs, and founders from around the world has been both humbling and inspiring. I feel grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far.
Share your favourite nostalgia from school days.
Looking back, what I cherish the most about my school days is the time spent with friends. There was something truly special about rushing to the ground during lunch breaks, finishing our lunch quickly just so we could squeeze in a game. It didn’t matter what we played; it was the laughter, the energy, and the feeling of being carefree that made those moments unforgettable. Even a surprise free period with a sports substitute felt like the best gift.
How did the teachers support you?
Each teacher had their unique way of shaping us. Some were strict and taught us the value of discipline, while others were warm and nurturing, always there with a kind word or a little extra support when we needed it. Looking back, I’m genuinely thankful for every single teacher I had at AIS. Whether through their lessons or just the way they carried themselves, each one left a mark on me in their way, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.
Any message for the school students?
If there’s one thing I’d say to every student, it’s this: stay curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity is what leads to real understanding, and often, the best ideas start with a simple “why” or “what if?” School isn’t just about memorising answers; it’s about learning how to think, explore, and find your path.
