Name: Ifra Tarannum

Birth Place: Delhi

Academic Qualification: BSc Home Science from Lady Irwin College, Delhi University, Delhi, India (Admission Batch: 2016)

M.Sc. Food & Nutrition from Lady Irwin College, Delhi University, Delhi, India (Admission Batch: 2019)

Languages you speak/write:  Hindi and English

Welcome to our exploration of campus life. In this interview series, we engage in meaningful conversations with Ifra Tarannum generously shares their experiences at Lady Irwin College

Priya:  Hello Ifra, Welcome to Medbound Times. Please tell us something about your professional life.

Ifra:  My name is Ifra Tarannum. I have done B.Sc. Home Science and M.Sc. Food & Nutrition (specialization public health) from Lady Irwin College, Delhi University.

Priya: Why did you choose this course?

Ifra: I didn't have any specific intention of enrolling in this course or college. I got admitted here in 2016 based on my Class 12 marks. During that time, my focus was not particularly on pursuing a specific field. As time passed, I developed an interest in the topic of food science. After that, I made the decision to pursue an MSc. I appeared for the entrance exam for MSc and was selected in 2019.

I had a passion for reading food blogs and observing nutrient profiles while watching cooking shows on TV. This helped me develop an interest in this course.

Priya:  Tell us something about the campus/college.

Ifra: The campus is spacious, with a beautiful front lawn. The library is well-stocked, and there is a nice amphitheater. The canteen is good, and you can get a good meal at an affordable price. The seating arrangement is comfortable, and the canteen has good ventilation, making it airy.

You can also get good food at the nearby canteen, which is located right next to the college. There is also Shri Ram Centre of Canteen nearby, and Bengali Market is just outside. You can visit CP (Connaught Place) as well, which is quite close to the college.

Priya: How is the study, and what about the practical?

Ifra: The teachers in college are quite friendly, and the classes are engaging. If we need time off, it is usually granted. For example, the teachers may shift our practical sessions to accommodate our requests. The practical sessions are also conducted punctually.

Priya: Best/memorable moment?

Ifra: Laughing and joking with friends, these are all memorable moments. I didn't attend many classes, and they used to say, "You come to college, we will take care of your work. "There is one incident happened during the third year. One of my friends told me about another friend who was unwell. Their expressions seemed quite genuine, and I felt that it might be true. So, I went with them to visit the girl at her home. She expressed her happiness that I had come to meet her. At that time, I didn't know that they had planned a surprise birthday celebration for me.

Priya:  Why did you choose Lady Irwin College for both your bachelor's and master's degree?

Ifra: Yes, sometimes I feel like exploring other things, but when it comes to reality, it is often considered better to stick with food and nutrition from Lady Irwin College. This college has a good reputation and is like a brand in itself. I also want to be associated with it and pursue the same course here because the fees are reasonable compared to other colleges where the fees are higher. Additionally, the college is conveniently located near my home.

Priya: What are the unique aspects that being a part of a college in the University of Delhi (DU) has that set it apart from other universities?

Ifra: One, DU is an eminent university, and the competition to get admission is quite high. Many students apply, and only a few manage to secure a seat. It brings a sense of accomplishment and joy to be a part of it. People often say that if someone has studied at DU, it must be a good thing. The college fests in DU, like Quintessence in our college, are also highly regarded. It feels great when a celebrity, especially a favorite one, attends such events. I didn't attend the college fest for two years, but in the third year, Ayushmann Khurrana came, and I was like, "Wow! "I watched the entire event from start to finish.

Priya: Any final message for upcoming juniors?

Ifra: Study well and make the most of your student life and always remember that this motivational quote "What doesn't work out makes way for what will."