AUTHOR: JAYANTHI MANIKANDAN
PUBLISHER: NOTION PRESS
GENRE: NONFICTION
BOOK BUY LINK : @AMAZON
In Indian homes, a special bond
often exists between mothers and sons, and fathers and daughters. These
relationships are characterised by deep affection, freedom, trust, and
unwavering support. Parents, within their means, will go to any lengths to
ensure the success and happiness of their children. One beautiful expression of
parental love is seen in Keep Calm and Like Roorkee, where author Jayanthi
Manikandan, a Bengaluru-based writer, shares her journey as a mother,
expressing the joy, challenges, and lessons involved in her son’s educational
pursuit at IIT Roorkee.
The book captures the journey of
knowledge and education of her son, Bala Manikandan, who also contributes a few
pages sharing his personal experiences — from preparing for the JEE to life as
an IITian. The narrative spans four years (2019–2023) and presents a concise
chronicle of perseverance, patience, and purpose, as seen through a mother’s
eyes.
My decision to pick up this book
stemmed from my deep affinity toward IIT Roorkee, Asia’s first institute of
engineering — a place I always dreamed of studying. Though that dream did not
take the conventional route, it found fulfillment through my participation in
the Subhashita Samskrutham online program offered by the Humanities Department
of IIT Roorkee. Visiting Roorkee in person still remains a cherished dream, one
I hope comes true soon.
The moment I saw Roorkee in the
title, I immediately applied for a review copy. It was approved, delivered
promptly, and I completed the reading just as quickly — a testament to how
engaging the book is.
The book is highly informative and
enjoyable, especially for:
Students aspiring to join IITs
Parents planning to send their
children to IITs
Aspirants specifically targeting IIT
Roorkee
The author carefully walks readers
through the step-by-step process of JEE preparation — coaching classes,
examinations, results, admissions, coursework, campus life, and placements. The
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the academic years is addressed in a
calm, factual manner, without exaggeration.
A notable strength of the book is
its clarity in explaining:
Traditional and newly introduced
branches at IITs
Scope and relevance of various
disciplines
Myths and realities surrounding
IIT Roorkee
Fee waivers and institutional
support systems
The author also brings alive the
charm of the sprawling IIT Roorkee campus (spread over nearly 365 acres) and
introduces readers to the fun and unique IIT-R lingo, presented as a campus
dictionary — a delightful and humorous addition.
Interspersed with photographs of
the campus and reflections on student life, the book offers a balanced view of
the opportunities IITs provide and the responsibility students must take to
truly benefit from them.
One quote from the book
beautifully encapsulates its spirit:
“Life’s curves can only be handled
by a lot of positivity, calmness, and divine belief.”
True to this belief, the author
carries the narrative with grace and optimism, successfully translating a
mother’s emotions into words — anxiety, pride, resilience, and fulfilment —
while respecting the individuality of her son’s journey.
In conclusion, Keep Calm, and Like
Roorkee is more than just a memoir. It serves as a guide, a reassurance, and a
realistic portrayal of the IIT journey — valuable for students and parents
alike, and especially meaningful to anyone who holds IIT Roorkee close to their
heart.
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