This book is a collection of personal stories and reflections from some of the early students of IIT Kharagpur who graduated in the 1960s and went on to build pathbreaking careers in engineering, technology, industry, the arts, public service, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Having successfully navigated the highly competitive IIT entrance examination, these men and women found themselves immersed in the extraordinary environment of a young institution upon which much of India’s technological future was expected to depend.

Their stories capture not only the academic challenges and campus life of a pioneering era, but also the experiences, friendships, and values that shaped their lives. Many of the contributors reflect on how their years at IIT Kharagpur influenced their character, careers, and outlook on life—and helped make them the people they ultimately became.