Winning Stories:

Ms. Surabhi Verma

PMRF Scholar

Water Resources Development and Management Department

Gender Champion: Mr. Om Prakash (Father)

The journey from being born with congenital heart disease to where I am today was not a solo
one. There is a saying, "Behind every successful man, there is a woman", and vice versa is also
true. While many people have supported me on my journey, my superhero is my "FATHER".Since I was diagnosed with heart disease at birth, he taught me that I was no less capable thanany other child and encouraged me to do everything. Whenever my mother questioned myability to do that might affect my health, my father motivated me to try anyway.
If my parents had kept me sheltered and prevented me from taking on challenging tasks, I would never have reached the level of success that I have achieved today. They instilled a fighting spirit and taught me never to give up. A fighting spirit and a never give up attitude are valuable traits one should learn. These traits make one better equipped to face challenges and overcome obstacles. It's important to remain determined and persevere even in the face of adversity. A positive attitude is key to striving for success.
Life is not always a bed of roses. It's crucial to be content with what you have and to focus on what you can do with what you have. Rather than complaining about what we don't have, it's best to remain grateful and optimistic, always looking for ways to improve and make the most of what we have.

Dr. Pranita P Sarangi,

Associate Professor,

Dept. of BSBE

Gender Champion: Dr. Kiran Ambatipudi(Husband)

A person's success depends hugely on their dedication, sincere work toward their dreams and goals, and having supportive parents and life partners. When we are trying to build gender-supportive working policies and environments for girls and women in higher education and career in STEM and other disciplines, I believe there is a need for a shift in the mindset of life partners and extended families. To date, I have come across many brilliant women who have chosen to be housewives sacrificing their dreams due to pressure from their in-law's families. Many a time, even in highly educated families, after marriage, daughters-in-law are not given opportunities to work or hold an independent bank account with the assumption that financial independence will result in their dominance and many more. Regarding my journey, not one but two men deserve equal credit. I firmly believe my father (with my mother) nourished my values and beliefs and created confidence in my abilities to pursue what I wanted. At the same time, a significant share of credit goes to my husband, Dr. Kiran Ambatipudi, who willingly shared my responsibilities at home and became a partner in almost everything on the domestic chores and childcare front. His sharing of responsibilities created space for me to chase my professional and personal goals and passion. Our respect for each other purposes helped me to create a less guilty mother, a woman who never stops dreaming and cares for her personal growth.

Mrs. Pooja Thakur

Project Associate

ADII Office

Gender Champion: Mr. Aman (Brother)

Growing up in a rural hilly region with limited awareness and resources, achieving my dreams seemed like an impossible feat. But with my elder brother, Aman, by my side, I knew that anything was possible. After graduating as Civil Engineer, I was determined to make a difference in the world through innovation and entrepreneurship. My passion for Agritech led me to start Healthivore, an agritech startup focused on organic farming and the welfare of marginal farmers.
Starting a business is never easy, and I faced numerous challenges along the way. The lack of funding and resources made it difficult to get my startup off the ground, and my limited knowledge about agriculture made it hard to gain traction.
But my brother remained my biggest source of inspiration and motivation. He encouraged me to keep going, even when the odds were stacked against me. He reminded me that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination and that working tirelessly toward your passion is what truly matters.
With his support, I joined IIT Mandi to gain new skills and now working with ADII, IIT Roorkee, creating an entrepreneurship-led ecosystem for young aspiring minds.
Despite the challenges, Healthivore continues to thrive and make a significant difference in the lives of hill farmers. I am grateful for the unwavering support of my brother and everyone who has encouraged me on this journey.
Their belief in me made my dreams a reality; I will be forever grateful for that.

Dr. Prachi Sharma (W/0 Lt.Col Avnish Sharma)

Lt Col Avnish Sharma(Husband)

Since childhood I was passionate to do MBBS. But I crash landed in B. Pharm followed by M.Pharm. Since the flame of writing Dr. with my name was still alive, I decided to do Ph.D.(Pharmaceutics).
Soon after Ph.D. admission, many well-wishers suggested that timely finding a good match (groom) is always better than holding a good degree.
Few months later, with my due consent, an Army Captain with family was invited to our home. As the wedding bells are almost ringing, it seems that my dream will never see the daylight.
On the appointed day, the families gave us time to know each other little better. Before Icould say anything, he said “Look dear, I wish you to complete your Ph.D. I fully understandthat it’s difficult to lose out golden period of our lives, but still, it’s worth. I will take care ofeverything but you must fulfil your dream. I am there for you always and everytime.”
We soon got married and he supported me rock solid. Sometimes I wish to quit my Ph.D. and start enjoying the queen’s life in Army. However, my husband stood beside me against allodds. To keep me highly motivated, he travelled 4,800 kms (Manipur to Delhi & back) onnumerous occasions.
It’s because of him, that my long-cherished dream finally came true.Today my Ph.D. degree stands tall in our living room as a testament of our love, trust,patience, and the storms which we sailed together.

Mrs. Pooja Thakur

PhD Scholar

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Gender Champion: Dr. Rajeev Srivastav (Father)

I had always been bad with numbers, because of which math was a problem. When I studied math with my father, I tested his patience a lot. So much so, that we cried together; I, tears of fear and him, tears of frustration.
Being a psychology major, I needed his help with statistics. Although he had always despised subjects such as Statistics, Chemistry and Sanskrit as a student, he brought countless books and spent unfathomable amounts of time with them, addressing all my queries as we went. Due to his help, I was able to qualify my Ph.D. entrance exam at IIT Roorkee.
One day, I was randomly shuffling through my books, deciding on which ones to pack for college. Much to my astonishment, I came across my father’s chemistry notes that he had prepared for me in class 12th. What overwhelmed me the most was the realization that the man who hated these subjects, burned the midnight oil to make things easier for me. Old memories washed over me as I remembered him turning difficult Sanskrit phrases and tenses into songs for me, so that learning them becomes cakewalk.
My father sat with me through every formula, every reaction, every equation, supporting me unconditionally, every step of the way. Whenever I think about him, I see a man who never ran away from challenges. I asked him what philosophy he lives by. With the kindest eyes and the sweetest smile, he said, “The only way out, is through”

Ms. Nobonita Rakshit

PhD Scholar

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mr.Aditya Kumar Anand; Aadi (Friend)

My Friend, My Hero
I was riding my bicycle with Aadi outside the IITR campus in Roorkee when we spotted a small movement in the woods. After some hesitation, we decide to look around. We found a small starved puppy lying there with an injured leg and making crying sounds. I worried out since I had no idea how to transport him to the animal hospital, was allergic to touching animals, and had many preconceived notions about becoming infected. Ignoring me, Aadi traveled four kilometers back to town carrying the dog somehow with one hand to receive the required assistance. When after the treatment, the puppy felt comfortable and started licking Aadi’s cheek, he realized that he had no choice but to keep the puppy. We decided to give him the name Roor, which is the initials of the town where the puppy is found, and the puppy is now living a good life at his house in Delhi, where there is another puppy named Bravo for him to play with.
This extremely lovely single episode allowed me to heal my scar of anguish, worry, and loneliness after the COVID-19 lockdown when I lost my grandmother, with whom I was very close and was unable to focus on my research, which was at a very vital stage. I was able to emerge from the emotional cocoon I had created because of perceiving how one can have true generosity and altruistic love for the unknown puppy. With their assistance, I recovered, felt at ease, and resumed my research again.
I, therefore, nominate my friend Aditya Kumar Anand, a research scholar in the Dept. of Earth Science, whose relentless act of kindness has supported me in removing my mental roadblocks against street dogs, emotional roadblocks of losing MY grand-ma, and resuming my Journey towards success again.

Major Reeti (Retd.)

Assistant Registrar, Academic Affairs Office

Gender Champion: Dr. Sunil Kumar Upadhyay (Father)

Once upon a time, there lived a princess in a faraway kingdom. A Hero would liberate her and make her queen. Fairy tale bedtime stories with a happy ending for every girl child. The unconscious effort of sowing seeds into the tender mind of a girl to be fitted into the societal norms of a ‘Well Cultured Girl’.
In our rich Indian culture, we worship goddesses in various forms. Yet, treat them merely as a support system or ‘Khambha’ for the success of the man in her life. My Hero, my father (Dr. Sunil Kumar Upadhyay) believed in me with the mantra- या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता।
He gave me wings to fly high in the sky. While society believed only in marrying off a girl child, he stood like a wall in front of all to educate me and to pave my way to become an Indian Army Officer, one of the most challenging professions for women. Nurturing a plant needs a lot of care. Similarly, for any child to grow into a successful person, family support is required. He once again stood by me when I had to venture into my second career after the completion of a short service in the Indian Army. It would not have been possible for me to walk alone on the difficult path with two toddlers.
My father may not be my Ideal, but he is my inner strength; my hero, who nurtured and shaped my mind and goal.

Dr. Disha Srivastav

Dentist Institute Hospital

Gender Champion: Mr. S P Srivastav (Father)

I did not stand alone, But what stood behind me, the most potent moral force in my life, was the love of my father.
Four letters don’t just describe my fantasy world. I would rather call him a “Super Hero” , my beloved father.
It is now that I could feel his presence in my breath and his absence in my life when he is with the Almighty.
It was he, who could anticipate my barriers and hardships, and before I plunged into them he created a cushioned environment, so that I was oblivious of any mishappenings and I came across an illuminated world. He taught me to withstand the hardships that come my way. He was the one who loved me unconditionally. One thing that he could not teach was how to bear his absence.
I am, from the decades when higher education to females was not prevalent because of the taboo that girls had to be a part of another family. But never did my hero bother and kept on inspiring and creating a field for me where I kept marching ahead and he played the role of my utmost support in disguise. He had the vision to see me stand up independently and not to use crutches to explore my world.His entire world was around me and I was his dispensable part. It was not just the blood ,flesh and genes but the emotions, breath, and tear.
It was he who had inculcated in me the goodness of every aspect of life. He used to show me the bright aspect of life and let the darker ones be bygones .I desperately believe that the teachings that he had nurtured in me , would help me to go a long way and to overcome and deal with difficult phases of life.
My “Hero” my “Father,” is the one to whom I owe all my achievements,be they big or small , all the success.
It makes my overwhelming emotions brim out that I lost my ‘hero’ in the battle against “COVID”. It shattered my life as if I lost the sky above me and the earth beneath me .Feeling that was even hard to imagine was superimposed by a brutal reality.

Ms. Raksha Devi

PhD Scholar

Mathematics

Gender Champion: Rohit Mishra (Brother)

My Hero – My brother
I am Raksha Devi, and I grew up in a typical Indian village family with four siblings where girls’ education was not a priority. However, I have a hero who believed in my dreams and supported me every step of the way – my brother, Rohit Mishra. My family was not wealthy, but my brother encouraged me to dream big and aim for the top. He introduced me to the world of education and showed me the world beyond my village. I worked hard, excelled in my studies, and became a gold medalist in post-graduation. Whenever I felt disheartened,he motivated me to keep working hard and never let me settle for anything less deserving.With the support of my family and supervisor, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Mathematics with determination and dedication. I feel immense pleasure surrounded by progressive men,whether my father, supervisor, or friends.
Today I am the first girl from my village, my family, to pursue a Ph.D. , and I owe it all to my hero, Rohit Mishra. His unwavering support and belief in my abilities gave me the strength to overcome challenges and achieve my dreams. Thus it is possible to achieve anything with determination, hard work, and the support of heroes like my brother.

Ms. Garima Soharu

PhD Scholar

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department

Gender Champion: Prof P.M Pathak (Her Supervisor)

After taking a break, pursuing a career in mechanical engineering as a married woman with a child was a significant challenge. However, I was fortunate to meet my supervisor, Prof. P M Pathak, through the Indo-Korea joint project when I first applied for a JRF role. His support helped me "rise from weakness to strength, grass to grace, and from nothing to something."He allowed me to learn new technological skills and life lessons, even though conventional norms favored others over married women with kids.
Prof. Pathak is a nurturing, talented, and wise supervisor who imparted valuable lessons in robotics and life. His effort and time have been a great asset throughout my Ph.D. journey, inspiring me to put my best foot forward, even when I didn't feel like I belonged. During the pandemic, his unwavering support became even more apparent, allowing me to bring my son to the lab, changing my career trajectory for the better.
Thanks to his belief in me, I am on the verge of finishing my Ph.D. with two filed patents and research papers in high-impact journals and international conferences. His decision to hire me for the project shows that anything is possible when we are given a chance to showcase our abilities.
I appreciate everything I learned from my mentor and aspire to pay it forward someday. He is a hero who recognizes talent and potential based on merit, not gender, and we need more professors like him.

Ms. Pammi Kumari

PhD Scholar

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department

Gender Champion: Sh. Birendra Prasad Gupta (Father)

My journey from a small village to IIT Roorkee is only possible because of my hero. My hero is my father. He calls me “Aparajita”. Do you know why? For this. you must listen to my story. He did challenging work and stood with me as a God to remove all obstacles in my way. In 1989, I entered his courtyard. When I was one year old, Poliovirus attacked my left leg. I became handicapped. He went to many hospitals, in different states for my treatment but the result was zero. He also lost his job during my treatment at RCFC, Kolkata. When my age began to go to school, I felt ashamed because people used to call me lame, disabled, etc. I lost my confidence and got frustration by hearing people’s comments on my physical appearance. He motivated me in each of my life and went to school with me up to class VI. I passed my 10th with distinction. Then for 12th, I got admission to a boarding school. He came twice a month to meet me. He built me into a confident person. He did backbreaking work for my higher education. After my PG, he got me married according to my wish to be a very nice heart person. My husband also supports me very much. He encouraged me to do Ph.D. I am a mother of a 4-year kid. I am very thankful to my father because I am only here.

Dr. Usha Banerjee

Senior Scientific Officer (on Contract)

Institute Computer Centre (ICC) IIT Roorkee

Gender Champion: Prof. Sandip Banerjee

Pillar of Life
She was good in academics and got placed in college after her engineering degree. She was one of the very few women engineers working in a male-dominated petrochemicals plant in eastern India, that too during the commissioning phase. She relocated to a nearby city and traveled home on weekends, managing her home and work diligently. However, life had other plans for her. Motherhood beckoned, and she quit her plush job. Academics came to the rescue, she took the entrance test for Masters's course and she scored the first rank, and pursued her M. Tech. studies. The nine months of pregnancy and the burden of assignments, term exams, and end-semester exams quickly ensued, and she had a baby boy in her lap. The baby was blessed, bringing with his happiness and the best daddy a baby could dream of. Daddy dear adorned the robe of mommy and played both roles with perfection. The pillar of life for her was now the pillar of life for both of them, and he managed it with immense aplomb- enjoying every moment of that phase. He moved to Roorkee to join IIT Roorkee, and they moved with him. He inspired and motivated her to rethink about academics, and she successfully got into the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India’s Women Scientist Scheme, and pursued her doctoral studies through it. The baby boy shone and made them proud by joining the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad as a young undergrad Student.

Ms. Sayona Sinha (Daughter of Prof Shishir Sinha)

Gender Champion: Prof Shishir Sinha (Father)

A PERSON WHO INSPIRE ME.
Whenever the word "inspiration" flashes across my mind, the first image that composes inside my head is that of my father. Everyone has had accomplishments in their life, and behind these accomplishments, there is a person who has struggled and dealt with dire times. As for me, the man who matches the above characteristics is my father who provides me with the greatest influence. If we go deep, my father is a hardworking achiever who believes that you are not supposed to stop in life, the struggle will try to discourage you but despite this act of struggle, you have to keep moving forward without looking back. The influence I get from my father affects every aspect of my life which is a significant reason why he makes sure that I am motivated and learning excellent values. The cause for him as my inspiration hides several reasons. One of the major reasons is his kindness, what I have observed defines him as a kind-hearted, person who is willing to help anyone at any time. This is one thing that I learned from his personality. We all have positive and negative times in our life. My father inspired me to enjoy and celebrate our good times and to deal with sad and dire times rather than stepping back. Although I am still an adolescent, the achievements I own to this day are because of my father and the credit goes to him because he inspired me to do hard work. He inspired me to stay engrossed in my work and to stop delaying it. He inspired meto live a healthy and energetic lifestyle rather than procrastinating or being lethargic. One of the reasons why he is successful is that he believes in himself and the story of his success is the reason why I believe in myself and that I can do anything with hard work. Judging by his personality, he seems like a picture of courage, ready to face any problem with a smile on his face and this personality of his has encouraged me to be courageous. What I have come to notice in him is that, rather than complaining about the difficulty he is facing or giving up, he tries to resolve it. He has a distinctive way of living life and I have taken so many lessons from his past experience. Not to ignore the point of his confidence, his confidence defines him as a bold person but also gentle to some people. I want to capture the same thing, I want to be confident just like him. The number of inspirations I get from him is innumerable. I want to follow the path he followed in his life full of hard work to reach success. What I fore‐ see, is that I can be a successful person if I develop the characteristics that he developed. The inspiration he gives me is the reason why I think of him as my hero.