Diploma (Data Science and Applications)
A passionate singer, chess enthusiast, teacher, and tech explorer, Athitya Arunakirinathan is anything but ordinary. This multi-talented individual, hailing from Sri Lanka, is currently juggling two academic degrees, including a Software Engineering program in her home country, while also pursuing the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications. On top of that, she’s enrolled in an online Micromasters in Data Science and Statistics for Social Science. And let’s not forget, she’s also spent the last five years teaching music and critical thinking skills to students worldwide.
What brought her to the BS Degree?
“IITM has a grandeur that transcends borders,” she says. Inspired by the words of esteemed Director Kamakoti and the concrete testimonials from her father’s IITM-alumni friends, Athithya decided to take the jump. Her love for cognitive science and psychology, coupled with her growing curiosity about how ML and AI interact with the human brain, made this degree feel like a perfect fit for her.
Adjusting, on the other hand, wasn’t always easy. Coming from a biology background, she admits to being initially skeptical about the mathematics and statistics involved. But with each course and each project, she found her rhythm.. “The BDM project gave me a lot of exposure to real-world issues and their potential solutions,” she says.”I helped a business improve its ad targeting, consequently adding to its increase in revenue. It was a boost to my conscience.”
The BS Degree has also expanded her social and academic horizons. Interacting with students of various age groups and backgrounds, she learnt not only different ways of thinking, but also how to adapt to a new academic culture.
Outside academics, Athithya is a powerhouse of talent. With 14 national and international music awards and a stint on a Sri Lankan reality show, her artistic journey is as dazzling as her academic one. She has been a key part of AKORD, the music society of IITM, where she served as a core member till 2023. “It was like working in a company,” she says about organising events, managing teams, and exploring the fusion of music and technology. Her experience during Paradox, she says, was unforgettable. “I got to meet professors, see their fun sides, and integrate tech into music. It was a whole new dimension.”
For Athithya, the degree’s true value lies in its flexibility and diversity. “You get a quality IIT education while sitting at home in another country. And you also get a chance to attend offline classes if you have the eligibility in terms of CGPA”, she reminds us.
Looking ahead, Athithya aims to pursue teaching and development with a social conscience. “I am currently working on a project for post-crisis trauma recovery using AI. Mental health support should be accessible and intelligent,” she says with quiet determination. To fellow learners, she offers this: ”Don’t be afraid to try new things – you might discover a version of yourself you didn’t know existed. Be adaptable. Be curious. Learning never stops.” And with Athithya’s journey, it’s clear: the only direction she is heading is forward – fearlessly, melodiously.
– Written by Satyaki Goswami
