PhD is not your Life It is just a part of your life

I have come across numerous suicide cases of students

And three prominent cases that happen during the Lock down were of “PhD students” from some prominent IIT’s and IISC, that made me rethink and reevaluate what is it so intense that leads a student to take such harsh steps.

This is not just about the loss of life, its about the loss of a creator, a thinker, a changemaker, a contributor and what not that did affect me a lot.

Well, I am in my final phase of PhD and over last 3 years I have learnt a lot. I have failed a lot of times, yet I did strive back to ensure the efficacy of my contribution throughout. Well this post is purely my belief and I don’t intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.   

The system and dynamics how PhD are happening in India needs to change and its we who can make the difference.

The Duration

Your PhD timeline is unique, as your topic or subject varies from person to person. The objectives could be very easy for some and for some the objectives could be tough. Take PhD as a learning journey to enhance as many skills as possible and make sure you build your competence to solve larger problems and not to compete with other PhD students. Every student has their own synergy and your have your own so let’s not get into a competitive mode.

The Research papers

Most of us evaluate a ourselves by comparing the no. of research papers published by various PhD grads. You have quantified yourself a lot till your bachelor’s and Master’s, so take PhD as degree not to quantify rather feel proud about the quality and the kind of contribution you make. Many PhD grad have no publications at all, yet they have done wonders by contributing the best ideas to some of the topmost THINK TANKS.

In the end we all are aware of the ruthless competition and politics that has evolved in this process. So, stay calm and focus on evolving your research with greater contribution, may not be today but someday you will be known for your contribution and not your quantification.

Life beyond research

Most of us usually tend to cut away from people, friends and families and get too much into our research. Certainly, that is important, but it is equally important to have a life beyond PhD. You are a human being that has evolved to make this world a better place to live and you aren’t just a degree. So, start living and value every individual around you. Talk to them, talk about their problems, follow your hobby, built a social community to indulge into perception and get to know life better may be. Also, your problem is not just yours, it affects a lot of stake holders involved to you, so make sure you are vocal about your problems, discomfort or grievances socially with whomsoever. 

"Your life or even your degree cannot seek a validity or a reliability test, all it needs is your self-belief and motivation throughout"

 Thank you!