Trust and fear on the way to Mint Road

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra opens up about his life and work in an address at his alma mater IIT Kanpur

- MANOJIT SAHA

It's rare for a public policymaker to open up about his campus years and professional journey — recounting both victories and setbacks.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra offered a glimpse into his journey so far, from student days to becoming one of the country's top bureaucrats. And what better place to open up than at his alma mater — the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he graduated 36 years ago in computer science and engineering.

Speaking at the 58th convocation of IIT Kanpur, a nostalgic Malhotra said, "I still vividly remember my first day at IIT when my mother came to drop me off with another batchmate. I recall my days at Hall III and then Hall I, the healthy rivalry between Hall II and Hall III, 'phatta' cricket, 'bulla', celebrations at Red Rose on campus, and at Chung Fa in the city, movies at L7, DEC 10 — which we were so proud of — and the iconic library."

"The steel trunk that carried my belongings to IIT, and which my loving wife has preserved to this day, is still with me," he said, also recalling his 'Wilson' tennis racquet, with which he 'religiously' played every evening on the campus clay courts.