Date: 22 June 2025

It was an honour and a privilege to host an enriching online session that opened with a gentle reminder that every experience contributes to the person we eventually become.

“Every experience we encounter becomes a lesson, and every lesson shapes our future.”

 

Held on 22nd June 2025, the session was graced by two esteemed speakers — Dr. Rewa Dubhashi, a dedicated practising gynaecologist and obstetrician, and Mr. Aashish Zantye, our star alumnus who is currently pursuing his B.Tech in Computer Science at IIT Bombay. Their presence and insights offered students a valuable opportunity to learn from real life journeys across both the medical and technical fields.

The session began with Dr. Rewa Dubashi’s engaging introduction, where she shared a heartfelt glimpse into her journey towards medicine. Dr. Dubhashi, a highly qualified gynaecologist with degrees in MBBS, DGO, and DNB, has amassed several years of professional experience practicing obstetrics and gynaecology. She displayed a photograph of her MBBS batch at Goa Medical College and humorously noted that most of her classmates had simple, sometimes even silly, reasons for choosing medicine.

Dr. Dubhashi candidly shared that her earliest fascination with medicine had been sparked by a character from the television serial Lifeline, which she fondly remembered from her childhood. She described how this small spark grew into a deep-seated passion, motivating her to pursue the rigorous journey of becoming a doctor. She also spoke briefly about the challenges and excitement of her early years in medical college, offering anecdotes about memorable experiences with her batchmates.

This personal and nostalgic beginning not only showcased her authenticity but also immediately connected with the students. By sharing both the humour and seriousness of her early experiences, she set the tone for the session as a blend of inspiration, learning, and real-world insight into the life of a medical professional.

Dr. Rewa then smoothly transitioned into discussing her specialization in obstetrics, candidly describing the field as “a bloody mess” to highlight both its intensity and unpredictability. She explained that obstetrics requires quick decision-making, constant vigilance, and the ability to handle emergencies, often under high-pressure conditions. Sharing her professional experience and gave students a glimpse into the challenges doctors face daily—from complex deliveries and surgical procedures to managing patient expectations and emotional situations. She also touched upon the demanding nature of work-life balance in the medical profession, emphasizing how family support played a crucial role in sustaining her career.

Dr. Dubhashi then highlighted the role of technology in modern obstetrics, explaining how it has transformed patient care and surgical procedures. She showed a brief surgery video performed by a senior doctor, the video captured the students’ attention and made the session even more engaging, giving them a vivid glimpse into real-life medical practice. She emphasized that the decision on which procedure to undertake depends not only on the patient’s condition but also on the doctor’s skill and judgment, underlining the critical role of experience alongside technological tools. Doctor highlighted that while technology is a powerful aid, it must always be complemented by critical thinking, expertise, and compassion to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

Dr. Dubhashi also dedicated a part of the session to her literary and academic contributions, showcasing her multifaceted talents beyond the medical field. She introduced her book, “पाळी आणि बरेच काही…”, reflecting her commitment to educating and empowering others. In addition, she has authored several articles, demonstrating her dedication to sharing knowledge and contributing to wider discussions in her field.

 

Through this, students were able to see her as a dynamic, talented, and all-round personality—someone who excels in her profession while also exploring creative and intellectual pursuits. By highlighting her book on a topic often considered taboo, she seamlessly transitioned into discussing broader societal challenges, she noted that while challenges such as patriarchal mindsets and gender biases still exist, significant improvements have been made over time, and people today are more aware and receptive.

“A great speaker does more than just share knowledge—they ignite curiosity, inspire action, and leave a lasting impression.”

This perfectly reflected Doctor’s approach throughout the session. She reminded students to value their elders, maintain good habits, and prioritize their well-being, including getting adequate sleep. Her words reflected a holistic approach to life, combining professional dedication with personal care, ethical values, and a humble, kind-hearted demeanour. She encouraged students to stay grounded, stick to their roots, and embrace learning with curiosity and compassion, leaving a lasting impression that true success is complemented by resilience, integrity, and kindness.

Mr. Aashish Zantye, one of our star alumni, took the floor after Dr. Rewa. Over the final 30 minutes, he engaged with students through a Q&A session, sharing his journey and experiences in response to their questions. He spoke about his experience, adapting to a new environment. He also provided detailed insights into the courses, curriculum, and opportunities at IIT Bombay.

His insights left students inspired to aim for top colleges, strengthen their aspirations for premier institutes like the IITs, and approach their academic journeys with dedication, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose. By sharing his experiences, he not only provided practical guidance but also motivated us to dream big and work consistently towards achieving those dreams.

The interactive session proved to be an enlightening and inspiring evening for all students. We express heartfelt gratitude to both the speakers Dr. Rewa Dubhashi and Mr. Aashish Zantye for sharing their time, experiences, and wisdom, and extend sincere thanks to VPD sir for providing this unique and enriching opportunity, making it a truly memorable and inspiring event.

 

Arohee Tari

Class XI