A day after Nilay Patel, a student at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) passed away on campus, faculty members of Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) in Surat, where he completed his undergraduate studies, remembered him as a bright and sincere individual who excelled in academics and co-curricular activities.
Patel graduated in 2019 with a BTech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) with an impressive 8.70 CGPA. Known for his excellence in projects and teamwork, he also secured a prestigious campus placement at Oyo. The SVNIT Placement Updates Facebook page celebrated his achievement, describing him as a “Silent_Killer.”
Prof Rupa Mehta, head of the Computer Science and Engineering department during Nilay’s time at SVNIT, recalled him as a dedicated student. “He always led in studies and projects. He got along well with people and had many friends in the department. Getting selected by such a reputed company during the campus interview demonstrated his ability to aim high. Despite participating in various activities, he managed to achieve an excellent CGPA,” she said.
Nilay’s father, Kailashbhai Patel, hails from Palgabhan village in Vansda taluka of Navsari district and works as an executive engineer with Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL). His mother, Dipti Patel, is a teacher at Jeevan Bharti School in Surat. Nilay was their only child.
According to media reports, Patel’s family had been renovating the family home in Shri Vinayak Row House, Althan, Surat in anticipation of his upcoming marriage.
Neighbours described Patel as a sincere and peace-loving young man. Retired teacher Ballu Patel said, “He was a sharp student who maintained a low profile. After completing his studies, he mostly kept himself busy in his room, which he used as an office while working.”
Another neighbour, Somabhai Patel, recalled the family’s helpful nature. “They took care of us when my wife, son and I were down with Covid. Nilay was always diligent in his studies,” he said.
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