The Road Less Traveled

As I turn 30 today, I couldn't help myself from reflecting on the journey I've taken—one that's been marked by choices often considered unconventional in a world that often favors the well-trodden path. Throughout my life, I've embraced the road less traveled, finding my way through uncharted territories, and learning invaluable lessons along the way. Some may call it the hindsight bias too and maybe it is. But this post is not about calculated risks - this is about the risks which were pure gambles but have paid out well in the end.

1. Army in the stirps, Engineer in the mark sheets.

My journey commenced with a decision that defied familial traditions. Born into an army background where the norm was to follow in the footsteps of generations before, I veered away from convention by choosing engineering. Interestingly, I did take the NDA exam and also passed the written round with flying colors but destiny had something else written for me. I ended up not going for the interview and also, cleared the JEE exams parallely. While my family was two-sided about my decision, they ultimately agreed for me to pursue engineering. This decision not only shaped my academic trajectory but also laid the foundation for my propensity to challenge norms and seek innovation.

2. Old is gold but new technology is diamond

Upon clearing JEE, I once again had a difficult choice to make - which IIT and which branch should I choose? Contrary to the expectations set by many to go for the older IITs, I chose the path less trodden by opting for a relatively newer IIT Guwahati—and an even newer branch of Mathematics and Computing—over the more traditional choices like Mechanical and Civil at older IITs. The branch combining mathematics with the intricacies of computer science & finance, provided me with a unique perspective on AI that later became invaluable in my entrepreneurial pursuits.

3. Jumping into the deep end of the startup ocean

The next divergence from the conventional path emerged as I embarked on my professional journey. Instead of embracing the allure of a stable, high-paying job at a multinational corporation like Visa to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship with Ai Palette. Founding my own company was not just a career move; it was a testament to my belief in taking risks, pursuing passions, and forging my path despite the uncertainties that accompany such ventures.

These choices, though divergent from the norm, have been pivotal in shaping who I am today.

As I step into this new decade of my life, I carry with me the lessons gleaned from the road less traveled—a roadmap etched with unconventional choices, invaluable experiences & an unwavering belief in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. For, in the end, it's not just about reaching the destination, but about relishing the adventure of the journey itself.