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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
My first flight that I remember, Delhi to Bombay on an Airbus A320, began my tryst with aviation. The sheer power as you unleash the jets after lining up on the runway centerline, the light roll midway through the takeoff, and the feeling of becoming airborne. It is the purest expression of life for me. Aeronautics and Astronautics was the perfect realization of that dream. To live a life immersed in aircraft and aviation, and to be amongst the best while doing it - that's why I chose this place.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
Purdue Aerial Robotics Team: Designing high-speed, high-performance aircraft outside the classroom - that surely is my cup of tea.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
Cary Racing: I love racing, of any kind. I love the passion that goes into every race: the highs of winning but even more so, sticking together when the wind is against you.

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
Purdue told me, unequivocally, that it was perfectly fine to dream and believe. If I can be the source of that same assurance and bliss for someone else, I shall be honored to serve the very institution that changed my life for the better.

Favorite place on campus?
Spitzer Court, Cary Quadrangle overlooking The Ross-Ade and its gigantic Purdue logo. Hands down, the best view on campus - especially at sunset, just after it has snowed.

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
AAE 333 -  Fluid Mechanics: Made me fall in love with Aerodynamics and directed me towards what I actually want to do in life. Also, because Professor Chynoweth is an absolutely outstanding instructor.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
Dream the absurd. There is nothing called a dream too far. If you bring the passion, there is nothing Purdue, as an institution, will not provide you with to become the best.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
Captain Chesley Sullenberger (Captain Sully): a Purdue alumnus and a legend of aviation. The Miracle on the Hudson not only testifies to brilliant airmanship, but is also the very essence of professionalism and mastery. It represents calmness, composure, and experience in the face of adversity: the definition of a true hero.

What motivates you to succeed?
My younger self: the kid who saw that dream for the first time and never cared for what people thought. More importantly, my mum and dad: those who sacrificed endlessly, adapted masterfully and never let anything stop that kid from dreaming. I do it for them.

What is your ultimate career goal?
Be the best aviator the world has ever seen.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
Away from classes, playing my acoustic guitar is probably the passion I pursue most often. I also love traveling and am a bit of a mountaineering fanatic. And finally, a fairly recent but predictable one: driving - especially, and specifically, a manual transmission.

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
Every other building has a place for a warm coffee and most of them are absolutely fantastic.