They Made us
Proud
Shailesh Kumar
JNVV: 1991-1998
IIT
KGP: 1998-2002
Interra Systems: 2002-present
Project Manager at Interra Systems Inc.
Can you please briefly elaborate on your life in JNV Vaishali ?
The seven years spent at JNVV were the crucial formative years of my life.
It was here that I was exposed to the fountain of knowledge. A challenging
hostel life helped me become quite independent. But the best thing was
that all my friends and teachers were always supportive towards me. Thanks to
their love and attention, I was able to clear JEE without requiring additional
years at coaching institute. I saw a lot of ups and downs, and various aspects
of people behavior over the years. Many of those things I understood only later
in life.
Your best memory?
So many little moments. Losing/Winning chess games, avoiding getting caught
for plucking mangos, eating poori sabji breakfasts, watching volleyball matches,
teaching math on a teacher's day. Having fights with my best friend and then
making up after days or weeks or once a couple of months. Righting a bit of
poetry n sharing them with few people.
How do you describe yourself?
I am studious, hard working, goal-oriented, always curious, quite disciplined. I
think I am quite well read and communicate effectively. I try to be fair and
honest in all my day-to-day dealings.
Friends at JNV called me as?
There were two Shailesh's in my batch. I was the chhota Shailesh. A lot of my
batch mates would call me golu [and juniors as golu bhaiya].
Hobbies ?
Reading about people, history, places, novels, science fiction, etc. Writing
computer programs. Hiking a bit.
Your favorite time pass?
Watching movies on TV. Eating. Sleeping.
Message for students?
Your years in school are the foundation for the rest of your life. Make the most
of it. You may not have the best resources in the world. You may not have 24x7
power supply or AC classrooms or a great library. But hard work and dedication
can easily compensate for it. And that’s what matters in the end.
Tell us two facts about yourself.
I failed to clear MENSA test (the International High IQ Society), though now I
don't mind that I didn't clear it.
I was the youngest in my class all the way till my B. Tech (JNVV and IITKGP). I
completed my B.Tech at an age of 20.
Who inspires you and why?
There are so many people who inspire different aspects of life. On science and
technology, I get inspiration from some of my professors at IIT and many great
programmers who have helped create this world of technology we live in today. On
business and leadership there are many inspiring people and organizations (Bill
Gates, Google, The Free Software Foundation). On spiritual front we have our
great scriptures (The Vedanta, Bhagwat Geeta, Ramayana and Mahabharata). I
frequently check out inspiring lectures from http://www.ted.com/.
Your Contact Info?
shaileshk@gmail.com
