22-year-old Shivom believes that when a person wants something very strongly, and focuses on it, things start moving in the right direction. Talking about one of the most challenging phases of his academic journey, he says, “During my admission time in IIT in 2018, my first preference was the computer science branch, but I could only get admission in mechanical. So, I decided to concede and find interest in a different field.” However, Shivom just couldn’t stop thinking about the digital aspect of design and development, something that only the computer science field offers!

“This was also the time when I became a beneficiary of the Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship 2018-19. Getting selected for such a prestigious scholarship not only gave me financial security but also the confidence to pursue my interest against all odds. So, I requested the head of computer science department at IIT Goa to let me attend lectures on artificial intelligence and machine learning without providing me academic credits. Looking at my dedication, the college authorities finally allowed me to opt for AI and ML as my subjects in 4^th semester. This was a great win for me, something that very few students at IIT are able to achieve!”

Today, Shivom is a software engineer at a Japanese talent acquisition firm. As a software engineer, his primary role is the development of his company’s website in such a way that the process of hiring young and talented Indian workforce for prestigious Japanese companies is efficient and automated. Going forward, his ambition is to develop path-breaking technology solutions in the field of strategic recruitment. “I thank Panasonic for selecting me as a scholarship beneficiary. This financial and moral support, during my most vulnerable college years, facilitated my educational and career path in more ways than one!”