Alumni talk AJ Gauravdeep, B.Tech. CSE 2005-09, Chief Architect Apple

Shining Star of Manav Rachna University

If I know one thing about me, it is the purpose of my life. It has been the same since I first watched Batman when I was 9 years old. It ignited something within me to help the underprivileged. I am extremely lucky this universe pushed me in the right direction or did it?? It’s a matter of perspective. You can find worse incidents in your life as lucky ones and vice versa.

I clearly remember when I was in senior school, it would anger me seeing people studying hard but only to get a life to meet means. I realized only way to beat is by doing something you love the most. I got an admit from Journalism school but my family pushed me to go to Engineering and that’s how I reached Manav Rachna College of Engineering, now Manav Rachna University. I felt the same frustration again in the beginning. But this time I had teachers who cared a lot. There were teachers who called me to college just to tutor and sat besides me whole day to teach and solve doubts in staff room during summer break. Environment at Manav Rachna was very friendly and teachers were always ready to help, be it educational crisis or questions you need answers to. With their help, and friends who were preparing for CAT, I realized if I have to be an engineer, I am going to be a million dollar one. I got admitted into USC University of Southern California. Teachers pushed me to limits I wasn’t aware of, but my past had taught me that if I am going to fail, I would rather do in my favorite courses rather than taking easy ones. I remember that I used to study from 6am to 2am almost everyday for 18 months. Fast forward I was Technical Lead in eBay for few years and now a Chief Architect at Apple.

About the dream, it is stronger than ever. I founded a non-profit organization, 2 months after graduating from USC and named it OBRUCE (Organization to bring educated lifestyle to underprivileged), but name stands for something else. It’s my tribute to Bruce Wayne. This non-profit organization has 5 schools and about 500 children which get free education from 4th standard till high school. I felt the same anxiety again last year, not knowing how to push myself closer to my dream. I have background. good enough, to get in most Ivy Leagues but I have promised myself to get into Harvard, in hope to work for this Earth (UN, WWF) rather than any company.

Last but not the least, Health and Family are two of few most important things in life. I am part of national team for Fencing and compete internationally.  Regarding family, I talk to them at-least 30 minutes every day even the super distant ones. Remember this, if you think you can or you cannot, you are right either ways. Believe you can achieve anything you really need. I am not sure if any of this would have been remotely possible without honest family support, friends and immensely caring teachers.