Alma Matters: Inside the IIT Dream

Alma Matters: Inside the IIT Dream is a compelling three-part documentary series from Netflix that was released in 2021. It aims to bring to light the struggles, pressures, competencies, and mindsets of students studying at one of India's premier institutions - the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Directed by Pratik Patra and Prashant Raj, this thought-provoking series is geographically set at IIT Kharagpur, the oldest and largest of the country's IITs. As such, it provides a microscopic view of the highly competitive environment that propels India's best and brightest into the cradle of innovation, entrepreneurship, and success.

The title ‘Alma Matters’ is a subtle play on the Latin term ‘Alma Mater,’ translating loosely to 'nurturing mother' and used to refer to one's university or college, merging it with the term ‘matters’ implying concerns or issues. Through the intelligent use of this title, the show signals towards the journey of students inside their nurturing institution and the realities they grapple with.

The series dissects the journey of IIT aspirants from their day of admission to graduation, thrillingly capturing the pressures, late-night studies, academic rigour, exhilarating competitions, and vibrant festivals. It encapsulates the transformative and formative years experienced by the engineering students, highlighting their sheer determination and undeterred spirits.

The raw and real portrayal of student life here is refreshing as it moves beyond the glamourized perception of IITs as an assured gateway to a prosperous future. The filmmakers empathetically capture the inevitable anxiety, emotional challenges, peer pressures, and immense academic stress the students grapple with, exploring the dichotomy of stress and success inherent within this prestigious institution.

Throughout the series, the narratives of several students are carefully interwoven, presenting a diverse picture of aspirations, dreams, failures, and rejections. The students, alumni, and professors who feature in the show narrate personal anecdotes that lend a grippingly authentic touch to the series.

From the notorious 'rat race' to wind up at the top of the class to the undercurrent of loneliness felt by many, Alma Matters superbly navigates through topics that are not often openly discussed in the Indian academic environment. It delves into issues like mental health, being away from home, grappling with the daunting syllabus, and also touches on the gender disparity on the campus, manifesting the true essence of life at an IIT.

Another stark aspect featured in the series is the open discussion about the grave issue of suicides at IITs, unabashedly pointing out the lack of active steps taken in the direction of mental health. The coverage of such sensitive topics emphasizes this documentary’s purpose: to shed light on the less talked about aspects of this institution and spark conversation about the requisite changes.

Despite the rather heavy tone prevalent in the series, the moments depicting camaraderie among students, the lighter, human elements, the earnest joy of learning, and innovation are equally predominant throughout. The filmmakers ensure the audience experiences the full breadth of the IIT life rather than understanding the place through a unidimensional lens.

Carrying this further, the series also ventures beyond the campus to give glimpses of the students in their domestic lives – their humble backgrounds, aspirations of their parents, making the shared dream all the more relatable.

Overall, Alma Matters: Inside the IIT Dream, through its honest portrayal, takes viewers on an enlightening journey into the heart of this esteemed institution. Whether you're an engineering student, an IIT hopeful, or just someone interested in understanding the functioning of this esteemed institution, this documentary series serves as an insightful look into the lives toiling behind the hallowed gates of the IIT. The series is bound to leave viewers pondering the price of dreams and the reality of their pursuit. It celebrates the spirit of IITians while subtly reflecting on the existing education system, thereby making it relevant to anyone invested in the future of education in India.