Einstein At IIT

The normal engineer (now that’s an unavoidable paradox) thinks of relativity and E=mc2 the very instant he hears the name “Einstein”. Then he contorts his face to give the impression of trying to remember the exact differential equation needed to arrive at the all too famous result while in reality he is merely trying to remember what in gods name that often used and abused word meant. Relativity as defined by the young engineers good friend Mr. Google is the doctrine that measurements and perceptions are true only in relation to a given observer at a given place and time. However the modern day concoctions of Fundas coupled here at the haven of IIT with our over zealous and hyper competitive spirit means an even more special theory of relativity has evolved and begun to take shape.

Before this perceived to be what it is not; a discourse on the bell curve grading system (which I promise to write about one of these days) allow me to elaborate. These monstrosities called minors and majors punctuate the dog race that is our life here at IIT. It would be unfair and naïve to limit the scope of comparison and measurements as it were to the academic sphere. Rather it is perhaps the only activity IITian’s indulge in without malice and compete earnestly for. The Frustu Fight to increase your GPA is the only one viewed with a semblance of respect and dignity. Everything else falls prey to the ‘very’ special theory of relativity, which I still haven’t explained. The theory is difficult to word in as much as it should be reasonable clear to understand for anyone who has been witness to it. But perhaps a slight clarification on the parameters is necessary. The space and time frames are here and now and perceptions is a word of limitless possibilities. We are a cruel species us JEE cleared lot. Our sole purpose in life seems to be to reach the top of the proverbial ladder. Each rung of achievements costing us another friend yet providing an incremental CV point to the never-ending list. The sense of personal achievement and the phrase ‘personally gratifying’ mean nothing here. This is the world where X’s greed to plunder a token position on every committee/group is a compliment. A place where Y’s insatiable hunger for power, post and recognition supersedes a confidence in one’s ability and an opportunity to their juniors to learn the valuable lessons, which ought to be shared and developed here at IIT. My loathing of such individuals and the culture and horrid legacy they leave behind is perhaps too severe and hopefully will be short lived. My greatest fear however still remains the undeniable inner urge to turn into these monstrosities myself.

Where the fuck does relativity figure into this seemingly blurred picture I have painted? Hopefully the only saving grace to justify the aforementioned is abuse or an over extension of constant comparisons and the way we size ourselves up in each specific department and aspect of life; Academics, attitude, articulation, appearance, agility and most importantly perception. Without perception the others fade into insignificance. And the end of the day the only thing common to us all is how for that brief moment whenever we enter a room we look into the closest pairs of eyes we can find and build yourself up in comparison to the owner of those very eyes who we accuse to be guilty of doing the same to ease our conscience. A world without relativity? Who is one in such a world ? Alone I answer.