I'm a final year Computer Engineering student in DBIT, and just four exams separate me and graduation! It's been a rather eventful and speedy four years in this college, and while I can't say I've been the "normal" student type, this should hopefully reflect the experiences of those who will pass out with me this year.

DBIT boasts of Salesian management, which I must say, is world-class. The top management is easily accessible to every student, and no matter what crazy ideas I've taken to them, they've atleast listened quite patiently to all of them. It's not easy listening to a kid who thinks he knows it all, and I incredibly appreciate both their attitude as well the support they've given to many projects that I've been part of. In particular, the DUCS initiative they sponsored brought together some of the best technical minds in college, and I expect that this group will go on to achieve some spectacular things in the future.

The faculty here is unlike most colleges. They're young and enthusiastic, and while academic experience is perhaps less compared to other established colleges, they're gaining fast. My experiences with them have ranged from student in the earlier years to buddies in the final year. They've been incredibly understanding given my being rather tardy in my academic commitments. They're also quite open to experimentation, which has meant for me more lab time versus lecture time on some occasions.

What about the crowd here? Well, I've geeky leanings and must say that both the "normal" and the "geeky" crowd are excellent here. My batch mates in particular have been the ultimate, as good as in school, and I've made friendships that I'm hoping to maintain for life. I've also interacted with people who will be some of the top minds in computing, as well as with people who're going to lead in other spheres (music, literature, sport, you name the field, we've got good people here!). What is worth appreciating is that all students are actively encouraged in both the "geeky" and "non-geeky" fields without discrimination. It's also fascinating to see a new socially conscious crowd evolving thanks to the NSS and the "technology for society" phrase will get a new meaning thanks to them. I only wish this was present earlier!

Like other engineering colleges in the University, this one too suffers from an exhaustive series of examinations. In one year, we gave four university examinations! Hopefully things will get better over time. Thankfully, in the time between examinations, there are plenty of distractions from college festivals to extra-curricular projects and competitions. Many of these I've found give an extra edge to the degree and provide excellent exposure to the real world.

I'm just the second batch, and this college has a long way to go. And it's trajectory is certainly the right way to go! While I'm happy to be passing out this year, I must say there is a sadness at leaving this familiar place, whose labs (at least in my case), had almost become second homes.

Sreepathi Pai
BE COMPS