Indian Institute Of Technology Mumbai

The Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai sits right in Powai, and it is a massive piece of land. Most of it is tucked between the hills and the lake. If you walk around, you will see a lot of greenery, which is rare for a city as crowded as Mumbai. The buildings are a mix. Some are old and have that 1960s look, while others are brand new glass structures. It is a long walk from the main gate to some of the departments. Students usually have cycles to get around. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed but there is always a lot of work happening in the background. At night, the labs are still lit up. We have a lot of staff living right here on the campus, so it feels like a small village. The rains in Powai are something else; everything turns very green and the lake level rises. It’s a busy place, but not in a frantic way. It’s more of a steady hum of activity. We have the usual canteens where you can get a quick vada pav or some tea. It is not a place that cares much about looking polished. It is more about the research and the lectures. People here are from all over the world, but once they are inside the Powai gates, they are just part of the campus. It’s a unique spot in the city, providing a bit of space to think and work.