Lusail International Circuit

 I officially joined Team ReNew in November 2025, at a time when everything felt intense and uncertain. Preparations for the Shell Eco-marathon were already in full motion, and stepping into the team during such a critical phase meant learning fast, adapting faster, and trusting myself in unfamiliar situations. While the goal was to build a hydrogen fuel cell prototype, I soon realized that this journey would demand much more than technical contribution – it required resilience, coordination, and belief.

I began with finance for the first two weeks, where I gained clarity on budgeting, fund flow, and how every decision mattered when resources were limited. Soon after, I transitioned into overall operations. One of the most challenging yet defining phases for me was sponsorship outreach. Cold emails, unanswered calls, follow-ups that felt endless and there were moments of doubt, but persistence became my strength. When we finally secured sponsorship support from Propel and Thriveni in December 2025, it felt like the first big validation that effort, patience, and consistency truly pay off.

Post sponsorship, logistics became my world. Working closely with GAC Cochin, handling packing lists, customs clearance, approvals, and finances tested my calm and adaptability. There were days when delays felt overwhelming, but I learned to trust the process and stay composed under pressure. The moment I watched the vehicle leave our campus for shipment, was deeply emotional and felt like seeing months of effort finally take flight.

Seeing the vehicle at the Lusail International Circuit, Qatar was surreal. That moment made every late night, every follow-up, and every challenge worth it. Even there, responsibilities didn’t stop, managing currency exchange, handling finances in Qatar, coordinating with alumni, organizing felicitation sessions with the Indian Cultural Centre, media outreach through QFM Tamil, and supporting team coordination on ground. Each role taught me accountability and leadership in real time.

Returning from the event was not an end; it was another beginning. From re-importing the vehicle and settling bills to post-event outreach, media promotions, and helping set up the next team, the journey continued. “I was no longer just contributing – I was growing”.

The experience culminated in a 3rd place podium finish at the Shell Eco-marathon, making Team ReNew the only Indian team to secure a podium finish in the hydrogen fuel cell prototype category in Qatar. But beyond the trophy, what stays with me most is the pride – family prayers, collective team motivation, and the quiet belief that we carried together. This journey pushed me beyond my comfort zone and shaped me personally and professionally, making it one of the proudest chapters of my life.