My NASA Journey

By Ankit Kokil, Ex-USec NIT Calicut (Z615)

After completing my first year in Civil Engineering, I made a life-changing decision — to follow my passion for architecture and join the fraternity at NIT Calicut. I have always been motivated by extracurricular activities, whether recreational or academic, and this same drive led me to NASA India.

My first encounter with NASA India came through the Zonal Convention at RAC Coimbatore in 2012 — three days filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and a competitive spirit. It was the perfect blend of technical and creative activities, and it made me realize that NASA India was not just about lectures and competitions — it was an experience that inspired the very spirit of architecture.

The weeks before ZONASA were unforgettable — hectic schedules, sleepless nights, and endless preparation, yet the energy in the department was infectious. As one of four first-year students working day and night with the seniors, I got to know them closely and formed bonds that would last well beyond the convention.

After ZONASA, my goal was clear — to become the Unit Secretary and lead NIT Calicut to the Annual NASA Convention (ANC). NITC had not qualified for ANDC in over seven years — not because of lack of talent, but because of various unforeseen reasons. I wanted to change that.

In my second year, I became the Unit Designee, traveled with the USec, made friends across zones, and learned how NASA really worked. The next year, as Unit Secretary, we still couldn’t qualify for ANDC, but I refused to give up. When NASA Day celebrations were announced as a partial entry to ANC, we grabbed the opportunity — even if it meant taking only half the number of delegates.

The 57th Annual NASA Convention turned out to be the most incredible experience of my life — one that truly changed me. Of course, no great story is complete without twists and turns. Getting faculty permissions and funding was a struggle in itself, and just when we thought we were ready, our HOD asked us to return on Day 3 for an International Conference our college was hosting! Somehow, after multiple rounds of convincing, permissions were granted and we were set.

But the twists weren’t over. On the day of departure, a friend and I missed our train to Chennai because we were late collecting prints and sheets. Desperate, we boarded another train with general tickets — one that was luckily heading toward Pondicherry. To make matters worse, after a tiring day we fell asleep, only to wake up and find one of my bags missing. Panic set in — it had delegate fees and papers! Thankfully, the stolen bag only had reports, and we still made it to the ANC venue before the rest of the crew.

The convention itself was magic. For many of us, it was the first time participating in so many competitions, and we were seen as underdogs. We worked hard, enjoyed every moment, and when the results were announced, it felt surreal — NITC won the Convention Trophy, along with a prize of €3000 and an internship with Ar. Anupama Kundoo in Madrid, Spain (including a €1000/month stipend).

As if that wasn’t enough, we bagged 2nd Prize in the World’s Largest Painting (WLP) with a cash prize of ₹25,000, and even received a Special Mention for the GRIHA Trophy.

The final days were bittersweet. A call from the college once again demanded we return early, and while part of the team had to leave, a few of us stayed back for the prize distribution. Standing there, hearing our college’s name announced, was a proud moment — one I will never forget.

This journey with NASA India taught me persistence, leadership, and the value of teamwork. When I returned to campus, our faculty was proud, the department felt re-energized, and a new wave of enthusiasm was born.

There is much more to this story — including how that internship in Madrid changed my life — but I’ll save that for another time.

Thank you, NASA India, for giving me the chance to dream, to struggle, to lead, and to achieve.