In 2005, during our third year at NIT Rourkela, my friends Alok, Amit, and I decided to bring something unique to our lives at Hall 5. NIT Rourkela wasn’t just about academics; it was a hub of cultures, traditions, and people from across India. Inspired by this diversity, we thought of installing a Saraswati idol in our hall, not just as an act of devotion, but as a way to unite students from different backgrounds in a shared spiritual experience. We hoped it would offer us a chance to express gratitude to the goddess of knowledge while bringing our community closer.

For 2-3 days, we organized prayers and rituals, inviting everyone in Hall 5 to join. What started as a small act quickly grew into a collaboration of students from all corners of India, each contributing their own unique cultural practices and perspectives. The diversity of languages, rituals, and customs merged in those moments of worship, and what unfolded was a beautiful blend of unity in diversity. It wasn’t just about the prayers—it was about forging deeper connections with one another.

This experience stands out as one of the most meaningful memories from our time at NIT Rourkela. It reminded us that college is not just about excelling in academics, but about learning from one another, respecting different traditions, and celebrating what we share in common. The Saraswati idol became a symbol of the cultural empathy and collaboration that NIT Rourkela fostered, and it taught us that true education extends far beyond the classroom walls.

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