So, here’s the story of how we, the magnificent ten chosen to represent IITK at the Inter IIT Cult Meet at IIT Madras, stumbled our way into existence (and hopefully, into Chennai). Buckle up, because this is a tale of questionable decisions, epic train journeys, and the ever-reliable “IITK card.”
From Selection to “Selection”
We were, with much fanfare (read: a single, poorly circulated text), chosen on November 22nd to embark on this glorious quest. After a well-deserved break (because let’s face it, who can handle the pressure of being chosen?) and our dear cordis who couldn’t bear the thought of us being away for too long, we returned to the glorious winter wonderland of Kanpur in December. Yes, wonderland. Because who needs functioning fingers when you have temperatures that make penguins jealous?
My beloved cordis at the railway station :p
The Themes That Launched a Thousand Photos (and a Few Police Encounters)
Our mission? To capture the essence of many things through photography. We were bombarded with themes like landscapes (think majestic puddles and pigeons), portraits (emphasis on sleep deprivation and existential dread), and photo stories (because who doesn’t love a good narrative involving train cops and chai?). Thus began our descent into creative chaos, fueled by late-night brainstorming sessions in the Film and Media Council room. Just you wait, folks, there will be photos (eventually, when I decide to excavate them from the depths of my phone.)
The Kanpur Central Railway Station Fiasco (or How We Almost Got Arrested for Art)
The photo story was our pièce de résistance. Our quest for artistic expression began at the majestic Kanpur Central Railway Station. Platform tickets? We got those. Chai? Absolutely essential. Train tickets to Kanpur Anwarganj? Well, let’s just say we were feeling particularly bohemian (read: broke). Our plan was simple: convince the friendly neighborhood coach attendant (we bribed him with chai, don’t judge) to let us use a compartment for our shoot. And hey, it worked! We clicked photos, laughed hysterically, and probably made a nuisance of ourselves (but hey, art!).
The “IITK Card” Saves the Day (Again)
Our artistic endeavors were tragically interrupted by the fashion police (or rather, the actual police). Apparently, “acting suspicious” while holding cameras is a crime in Kanpur. Long story short, we ended up at the police station, minus the permits and tickets they were so kindly inquiring about. A dramatic re-enactment of our struggle for artistic freedom ensued (complete with me, the ever-enthusiastic idiot, almost giving them my parents’ number). But then, like a beacon of hope, emerged the “IITK card.” We flashed our IDs, and voila! Instant freedom. Apparently, the IIT tag trumps the “no free photography on trains” rule (who knew?). With our brush with the law behind us, we ventured forth to Veer Ji Malai Chaap, where even the auto ride was not without its share of drama. A collision with another auto which was resolved in the typical Kanpuriya way. Phew! Yeh lo hamara photostory
Birthday Celebration of one of our Cordi ;p
From Chaap to Chaos: A Mumbai Misadventure
Fueled by the need for more photos, I decided to return to Mumbai. Classic me: almost missed my train because booking an auto was apparently an alien concept for me. But hey, I made it to Mumbai in one piece (mostly), ready for adventures (which will be documented in a future blog post, stay tuned!). I uploaded two of my pics here
Treasure hunt for Y22s before my journey to Mumbai (because why not add a bit more chaos to the mix?)
PS: The moustache looks familiar haina?
The Iconic Taj Hotel
The Great Train Trek: Delays, Disco, and Dosas
Finally, the day arrived. Our journey to IIT Madras, via the lovely city of Delhi (where the fog conspired to delay our train by a cool 2-3 hours), began. Sleeper class, freezing temperatures, and questionable hygiene - all part of the quintessential experience, right? We may have gotten into a minor altercation with a grumpy co-passenger over noise levels (spoiler alert: we won the battle), befriended the pantry staff (because who doesn’t love us?), and even managed to squeeze in multiple food stops at random stations. Oh, and the train was delayed by another 10 hours at one point. Because why not?
Had some time at Delhi soo visited my medico peeps (YES AIIMS DELHI HEHE)
Madras (Hopefully) Awaits
Six hours behind schedule, with countless stories to tell (and food stains to remove), we finally reached Madras. What awaits us next? Who knows! But one thing’s for sure, it’s going to be an adventure (hopefully less police-intervention-y this time). Stay tuned for Part 2!
