Google India Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship 2012

Akanksha Tiwari - Netaji Subhash Institute of Technology, Delhi - B.E. - Will graduate in 2011

"I believe, collective intelligence and integration of technology and the masses would eventually lead to the evolution of human society to a higher order. I derive inspiration from systems like Google and Wikipedia because they have enabled individuals from all over the world to collaborate and work together in new ways. They are harbingers of a new era and they affirm my belief that collectively people and technology put together can scale frontiers like never before."

Manjot Pahwa - Netaji Subhash Institute of Technology, Delhi - B.E. - Will graduate in 2012

"The field of machine learning and data mining excites me immensely. I consider the human brain to be by far the most advanced supercomputer which can process its data and learn even after committing mistakes. It is not just their ability to think which makes him so protean but also his ability to envision something that does not exist but can be made and his instinct, his power to think beyond logical reasoning. Modeling a smarter machine on such lines is my dream. In some famous words, this field is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."

Palak Dalal - Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay - B.Tech - Will graduate in 2012

"What I like about science is that it gives us limitless opportunities to use our creativity and imagination in solving complex problems. Computer Science has found applications in almost every field of mankind such as biology, space science, robotics and many more. The path breaking advancements, such as quantum computing and super computing to vast information retrieval and management systems, in this rapidly evolving field of Computer Science open new windows for research."

Rasha Eqbal - Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur - B.Tech - Will graduate in 2011

"What interests me the most is the fascinating blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications that Computer Science and Engineering provides. My experience studying the subject has been truly enjoyable so far, and I am sure it will continue to be so in the future as well."

Radhika Goel - Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee - Dual Degree M.Tech - Will graduate in 2011

"Its really amazing to see how using just 0s and 1s, this very unique and beautiful blend of science, engineering,and mathematics - Computer Science, has not only given realization to our imaginations but also helped us to understand our natural world so well."

Kirtika Bharatraj Ruchandani - Indian Institute of Technology, Madras - Dual Degree M.Tech - Will graduate in 2012

"The demand for faster, better and more powerful hardware - "computational workhorses" keeps growing as computer science finds widespread applications in solving everyday problems. From embedded systems that bring the world between your palms to exascale level parallel computing clusters - each area of hardware and computer architecture has its own challenges that bring adrenaline rushes. The capability of the hardware platform plays a large role in determining the extent to which practical problems can be solved computationally - I hope to play my part in making these platforms exceptionally better during my research career."

Swati Gupta - Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi - Dual Degree M.Tech - Will graduate in 2011

"Everything we do is optimize. Be it love, time or money." I love graph theory, algorithms and abstract Mathematics. I aspire to be able to give proofs from 'The Book' one day. I'm looking forward to building an exciting career in research. Randy Pausch once said - Follow your dreams. I am following my dream, I hope you follow yours."

Lydia Manikonda - International Institute of Infomation Technology, Hyderabad - Dual Degree, Masters by Research - Will graduate in 2011

"It excites me to be a part of the field of Computer Science which has the power to create cutting-edge solutions for a large number of technological challenges faced by today's world. With the technology developing at a fast pace and huge amount of data being generated, I have developed a strong interest to exploit useful information from real-life datasets that has a potential impact on real-world problems."

Nazneen Fatema Rajani - BITS, Pilani - Integrated M.Sc - Will graduate in 2011

"The technology and algorithms used to develop an artificial brain that simulates human thinking and behaviour fascinates me to pursue Artificial Intelligence. Machine Learning as a branch of Artificial Intelligence is fast emerging and there are new algorithms being developed everyday to help ease human efforts. These algorithms will empower computers to do self-learning which have been so far doing the mundane task of processing. Thus the need for optimal and less complex algorithms has become vital to save on system time and memory space. Being highly motivated by the idea of writing efficient and optimal algorithms, I wish to pursue a career which would enable me to do the same."

Shikkenawis Gitam Chandrahas - Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology - M.Tech - Will graduate in 2012

"Computer Science is the most powerful tool in the world which has evolved human lifestyle to another level and will continue doing so. Right from invention of wheel to making a computer, human mind had proved its intelligence. Now it is time to give our intelligence to machines to increase it manifolds. There are many discoveries yet to happen in this field and as a research student I would like to be a part of such activity."

Liyakathunisa - Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore - Ph.D - Will graduate in 2011

"As women is an integral part of a family. So also as days passes computers are becoming an integral part of our life. Be it in computer hardware or software we see its knowledge growing in an exponential manner, with unlimited applications. I feel and I am confident that computers form the basis for social and economical growth of all the human kind. It is going to create one society in the entire world."

Preeti Malakar - Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - Ph.D - Will graduate in 2012

"I find it very satisfying to see computer science enabling the solution of important problems in varying fields like astronomy, geology, biophysics."