Professional

UtsavBalar is an Embedded Linux and BSP Engineer with a passion for free and open-source software (FOSS). He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya, while working as a freelance Linux Kernel Developer.

At Vicharak, Utsav served as an Embedded Linux cum BSP Engineer from December 2022 to December 2023. He led the BSP development for Vicharak’s Vaaman Single Board Computer (RK3399-based), managing device tree configurations, U-Boot bootloader integration, and Linux kernel customizations. He also engineered system images for various Linux distributions and contributed to initial Windows on ARM bring-up for Rockchip RK3588.

Utsav has extensive experience in custom ROM and kernel development for Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi K20 Pro (Raphael), Mi 11X, Mi 12X, Mi 10 series, and Poco F2/F3. His work focused on optimizing performance, power management, and integrating custom features for Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms.

As a freelance developer since January 2024, Utsav has worked on multiple projects involving BSP development, Linux kernel development, and device driver integration for platforms like Qualcomm Snapdragon, Raspberry Pi, and Rockchip SoCs.

Utsav is always eager to explore new opportunities in Linux BSP development, Linux kernel engineering, and embedded systems.

Skills and Certifications

Proficient Technical Skills

  • C, Rust, Bash, AWK
  • Embedded Linux, Linux Kernel Development, BSP Engineering, Device Drivers
  • Git, AOSP, Custom ROM and Kernel Development

Semi-Proficient Technical Skills

  • Yocto/Buildroot Project, U-Boot, ARM Architecture

Familiar With

  • Python, C++, HTML/CSS, PHP, MySQL, MongoDB, React, Node.js, Figma, Adobe XD/AI

Tools

  • GCC/Clang Cross-Compiler, GDB, QEMU, Git, Docker, Travis CI, Drone CI, Jenkins

Certifications

  • Embedded Linux Development, Udemy, 2023
  • Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS), 2022

Education

Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering

National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya, IN
Expected Jun 2025

Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering

UKA Tarsadia University, Gujarat, IN
2019 - 2023

  • Developed a privacy-focused, de-Googled Android ROM with a custom kernel.
  • Created a university management system using PHP and MySQL.
  • Assisted in developing a JavaScript-based web plugin for graphical user authentication.

Personal

UtsavBalar is a critically comical and chaotically curious human being. He loves reading books, watching movies, and listening to music. Some of his favorite books include Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson, and Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. He is a big fan of movies directed by Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino, with a particular interest in crime, drama, thriller, action, sci-fi, and comedy genres. His music taste spans nostalgic 90s and 2000s jams to electronic beats from artists like Pixies, MGMT, Daft Punk, and Oliver Heldens.

Utsav is not active on social media and prefers to keep his personal life private. He is passionate about open-source development, low-level engineering, embedded systems, and exploring the mysteries of the universe.

In his spare time, Utsav volunteers at tech workshops and lectures, sharing his knowledge on CPU architecture, compilers, and Git version control systems.

Check out my Spotify.

Some of his favourite books are

  1. Shrimad Bhagavad Gita
  2. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
  3. Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
  4. Ichibun: The secret of Japanese high precision by Kyosuke Sendo
  5. Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief by Jordan B. Peterson
  6. Atomic Habits by James Clear
  7. To explain the world: The discovery of modern science by Steven Weinberg to be explored…

Some of his favourite movies are

  • All the movies directed by Martin Scorsese
  • All the movies directed by Christopher Nolan
  • All the movies directed by Quentin Tarantino and many more…

Genres

  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Thriller
  • Action
  • Sci-Fi
  • Comedy

Some of his favourite music artists are

Non Electronic Music

  1. Pixies
  2. MGMT
  3. Bob Marley
  4. Cigarettes After Sex
  5. Snoop Dogg
  6. Eminem
  7. Empire of the Sun
  8. M83
  9. John Newman
  10. Gnarls Barkley
  11. Peter Bjorn and John
  12. ABBA
  13. Cornona
  14. Of Monster and Men
  15. WALK THE MOON
  16. Earth, Wind & Fire
  17. TOTO
  18. MIKA
  19. Michael Sembello
  20. The Bravery and many more…

Electronic Music

  1. Daft Punk
  2. Oliver Heldens
  3. KSHMR
  4. Vini Vici
  5. Armin van Buuren
  6. Ummet Ozcan
  7. Michael Calfan
  8. Tiësto
  9. Curbi
  10. Bob Sinclar
  11. Timmy Trumpet
  12. Pickle
  13. EDX
  14. Bhaskar
  15. Alok
  16. Lucas & Steve
  17. Mr. Belt & Wezol
  18. Tungevaag
  19. Madison Mars
  20. Redondo and many more…