Beyond Travel: A Biker’s Journey of Exploration and Discovery

In this special alumni interview, we catch up with Shivaram CV, Senior Associate at PWC and an adventurous rider, who recently embarked on a dream bike trip across western India. From the bustling streets of Bangalore to the vast white salt desert of Dholavira, this journey was more than just a road trip—it was about fulfilling a long-awaited dream, embracing the unknown, and experiencing the freedom of the open road.

Can you take us through your bike ride—where did you start, and what were some of the key stops along the way? What made your final destination so special?

I started my journey from Bangalore, making stops at Pune and Surat before heading towards my final destination—Dholavira. It’s a biker’s paradise, known for its breathtaking white salt desert. The route takes you through the heart of the Rann of Kutch, just about 60 kilometers from the Pakistan border. This region is home to the world’s second-largest salt bed after Estonia and holds deep historical significance as part of the Harappan civilization. For any biking enthusiast, this is a dream ride.

That sounds like a truly special journey. How did it feel to finally reach Dholavira? Can you describe that moment?

Reaching Dholavira was an emotional moment for me. It had been a dream ride for a long time, and when I finally got there around 6:30 AM, just in time for sunrise, I was overwhelmed. The sight of the vast white desert under the rising sun was so surreal that I actually had tears in my eyes. It was a mix of joy, accomplishment, and sheer awe—it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

How long had you been planning for this? What was your motivation behind taking this journey?

The motivation was that I always wanted to explore western India, as it remains relatively unexplored by many travelers. A few of my friends had done this trip two years ago, but due to work commitments, I couldn’t join them at the time. Ever since then, it had been on my mind. This time, I finally got the opportunity and didn’t want to miss it.

As for planning, I had been thinking about the trip casually for about a month, but it wasn’t until a week before that I finalized everything—booking hotels and sorting out the logistics. And now, here I am, having completed the journey and reflecting on an incredible experience.

What bike are you riding for this journey?

I ride a Honda H’ness CB 350, and I call it Alamari. Alamari is a Kannada word that means nomad or tribe, which perfectly represents the spirit of this journey. My bike and I have been on some incredible adventures together, and this ride was no exception. It’s more than just a machine—it’s a true companion on the road.

We would love to hear about your fondest memories from your time at SCIT. What moments or experiences stand out the most for you?”

I think it’s my friends who made my time at SCIT truly special. We were known as the ‘912 gang,’ named after our hostel room. That room was our sanctuary—where we worked on projects, prepared for placements, and shared countless personal moments, whether it was heartbreaks or triumphs. The hostel atmosphere was a big part of my experience, though they’ve renamed it to ‘Cherry Blossom,’ Another cherished memory is the sports arena and swimming pool. Almost every evening after classes, I’d grab my spare clothes, head over to the sports area to play football, and then return to the hostel to work on assignments. These moments of camaraderie and relaxation were the highlights of my day.

Ultimately, my friends and these experiences were the lifelines that made my SCIT journey unforgettable. Coming back to college was my chance to savor these moments one last time before diving into the corporate world.

Thank you for sharing those wonderful memories! Speaking of impact, I’m curious to know, which SCIT faculty member had the most significant influence on your career? How did they shape your journey?

There were quite a few faculty members who impacted me in their own ways, but the one who truly resonated with me was Mandar Sir. He came from a corporate background and his teachings in the pre-sales subject were incredibly practical. The concepts and skills he taught us are things I still use on a daily basis in my current work. His approach was strict and particular about certain standards, which felt challenging at the time, but ultimately shaped my professional discipline and competence. Mandar Sir’s influence has had a lasting impact on my career.

Switching gears a bit, I’d love to get your thoughts on a broader topic. Do you think AI will become the biggest asset or the biggest threat to information security in the next decade?

When we say that there are things a human mind can’t do, which AI can, it highlights the potential of AI. From my perspective, AI is the biggest asset we have, but it heavily depends on how we use it. There are specific use cases, especially in niche fields like cryptocurrency or blockchain, where AI has shown its power. However, there have also been numerous hacks linked to AI applications in these areas.

Even with tools like ChatGPT, we’ve seen data being used for purposes that weren’t intended, leading to concerns about misuse. As we’re constantly feeding data into these AI systems, it’s crucial to recognize that this technology can be used in many different ways, not all of them positive.

Ultimately, AI needs to be controlled and regulated to maximize its benefits. Going forward, whether we like it or not, AI is the biggest asset for humanity. It’s all about how we choose to use it that will determine its impact.