Monday, October 28, 2013

DISCOVERING INDIA



To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, NSS IIT Roorkee organized a motivational lecture, DISCOVERING INDIA- AN IITIAN’S PERSPECTIVE, on Monday, 28th October, 2013 at Bose Auditorium, Physics Department, IIT Roorkee. Our guest lecturer, Shobhit Mathur, alumni of IIT Bombay and founder of “Youth for Seva (YFS)”– a national organization, which aims at inspiring the youth to serve mankind, took us through his life, recounting to the audience his journey of self discovery. Dr. Smita Jha, Program Officer, NSS IIT Roorkee inaugurated the event and introduced the chief guest to the audience.
Born and brought up in Hyderabad, Shobhit, like any other Indian kid, was fascinated by the unknown. The west was a distant realm, where dreams came true. An All India Rank of 72 in IIT-JEE ensured him a place amongst the best. After pursuing degree in Computer Science Engineering from IIT Bombay, he was admitted to University of Washington, Seattle for post graduation. Meanwhile, the advent of Internet had opened up a plethora of opportunities exposing him to western culture. Shobhit arrived in US, star struck by the various possibilities that the west offered. His days there, however, proved to be an eye-opener for him.  The Hindu Students council, where Indian students met to discuss their views and ideas, also influenced him to a great extent.
This process of self realization led him to take off two months, prior to joining Amazon. He travelled to Surinam, an unknown country in South America, with a large Indian population. Shobhit was engaged in teaching computers among the poor. But it turned out that the people expected more from him. He was regarded as an ambassador from India -the ‘holy’ land.
Two years later, Shobhit quit his job in Amazon when he realized that it was not what he was looking for. He set out to begin a new chapter in his life.
Back in India, after a stint with RIWATCH (Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritage) in Arunachal Pradesh, Shobhit realized his aim in life, to help and serve the people around him. Consequently, Youth for Seva was founded in Hyderabad. He went on to explain various activities of Youth for Seva and how from just a small group of likeminded individuals, they have expanded into a national organization, with chapters in many cities all over India.

Shobhit implored the audience to get out of the rat race and follow their calling. The question answer session that followed had the audience brimming with queries and thoughts regarding the talk. Shobhit Mathur was presented with a memento for gracing us with his presence and wisdom.
The talk left the audience inspired, aware and motivated towards their goal in life. 

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