During my PhD program, I had the opportunity to visit IIT Madras, accompanied by my friend Kaleem Ahmad Najar. The journey itself was memorable—traveling by train through the vibrant landscapes of South India offered a refreshing change and a cultural awakening.

Upon arriving at Chennai Central Railway Station, we took a prepaid taxi to the IIT campus for ₹450. Interestingly, when I enquired about the "Indian Institute of Technology," the locals seemed puzzled. However, asking simply for "IIT" clicked instantly—a small but amusing cultural insight.
Stepping into the IIT Madras campus felt like entering a world of innovation and natural harmony. We headed straight to the Materials Science Research Centre, where we were scheduled to meet Prof. M. S. R. Rao, a renowned academician in the field. Along with his colleague Prof. Sedupathy, he warmly welcomed us and arranged our accommodation at Sindhu Hostel (Tower Hostel).
One of the most fascinating aspects of the IIT Madras campus is its ecological diversity. Spread over several hundred acres, the campus is not just a hub for engineering and research but a sanctuary for wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot deer, blackbucks, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds. Nature lovers, many with DSLR cameras and telephoto lenses, frequent the campus, capturing its raw beauty.
The diversity of people at IIT Madras was equally impressive—students, scholars, and professors from across India and around the world created an inspiring and dynamic environment.
In the lab, we began working on Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) techniques. Our experiments often started after dinner and extended into the early hours of the morning. Many lab mates were so dedicated that they practically lived in the lab, keeping their belongings and mattresses there. It was a culture of commitment and intellectual curiosity.
One essential item for any scholar at IIT Madras is a bicycle. Given the size of the campus and the ban on personal cars to reduce pollution, a cycle becomes both a necessity and a symbol of campus life.
After preparing our samples, we proceeded with nanoindentation tests in the lab headed by Prof. Kamraj, the then Head of the Metallurgy Department. The academic culture at IIT Madras was deeply encouraging—senior professors, despite their achievements, were humble and supportive of newcomers. This stood in stark contrast to the often hierarchical academic culture back in Kashmir, where success sometimes leads to arrogance.
However, research is rarely without challenges. After a month of rigorous work and weekly presentations, my friend Kaleem, overwhelmed by the intensity, decided to return home. I stayed on for three more months, working solo but determined. After returning to Srinagar, I presented my progress and registered for the next semester.
A second visit to IIT Madras followed, during which I resumed work in the same lab, completing sample preparations, characterizations, and nanoindentation tests. We later traveled to the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru to conduct tribological testing of our samples. Kaleem rejoined me for this part of the journey, and we stayed outside the campus for a month to complete our work.
We were deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our professors, staff, and lab mates throughout our time. During our free time, we explored nearby places like Pondicherry University and enjoyed the serene beauty of Pondicherry’s coastline.
My experience at IIT Madras was transformative—not just academically, but personally. It reinforced the value of humility in greatness and the importance of perseverance in research. Most importantly, it showed me that collaboration, curiosity, and compassion define the best of academia.

Email:-----------------sajad_08phd12@nitsri.ac.in