Kartavya Joshi, a final-year Computer Science student at New LJ Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ahmedabad, has carved a remarkable path of growth through resilience and opportunity. Raised in a modest family in Surat, Gujarat, with a father working in a textile shop and a mother managing the home, Kartavya’s journey into engineering wasn’t planned—it was sparked by a chance encounter with coding in 11th grade. Struggling through financial hardships, the pandemic, and an early education in a Gujarati-medium school, Kartavya faced immense challenges adapting to an English-based technical curriculum and lacked access to paid resources and learning tools. Yet, his curiosity and perseverance led him to seek out better learning experiences, eventually discovering the Code Unnati Internship Program offered at Gujarat Technological University.
When Kartavya was finally eligible to apply in his fourth year, he jumped at the opportunity—and it changed everything. Unlike his college curriculum, which was mostly theoretical, Code Unnati introduced him to practical, industry-aligned training in areas like AI, IoT, ML, Neural Networks, and SAP. The trainers not only made complex topics understandable but also fostered an inclusive learning space where every student felt valued. Kartavya’s understanding deepened through hands-on sessions and a capstone project, SmartFlow-AI, which used AI to detect road hazards like potholes or stray animals and alert local authorities. This real-world application of his learning boosted both his confidence and technical competence, empowering him to think like an engineer and problem solver.
As a direct outcome of the program, Kartavya secured an internship at Bitsware Technologies, earning a ₹5000 stipend and the potential for full-time employment. His participation in the Code Unnati Innovation Marathon, where he volunteered in event management, further enhanced his communication and leadership skills—helping him step beyond academics and into professional readiness. Today, Kartavya stands at the threshold of a promising career, with a growing interest in cybersecurity. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunity, guidance, and determination, even students from the humblest backgrounds can unlock a future full of possibilities.