Many moons ago, while grappling with some intricate technical conundrum, I was struck by a profound realization: my abilities were inadequate. Inadequate to fulfill my ambitions and chart my course in the technical sphere. Perhaps, I was then in the throes of the impostor syndrome. However, that was the catalyst for the journey of self-discovery and growth that followed. Over the years, I have faced many trials and tribulations as a freelancer, and occasionally, as an entrepreneur. In that time, I have progressed from being an ingénue to a jaded veteran. The passage of time has taught me to navigate unknown territory, ambiguous situations, and probabilistic outcomes. Here are three strategies that I have developed to surmount these challenges: The Dual Desk Approach: I maintain two separate workstations - a digital desk equipped ...
Many Indian scholars who embark on a PhD journey may face challenges such as navigating a complex system of fellowships, dealing with exploitation, and encountering a preference for foreign-trained individuals. This article explores the challenges faced by Indian academia and the reasons why some Indian scholars are opting to pursue their PhDs overseas. In the world of academia, the pursuit of a PhD is often seen as the pinnacle of intellectual achievement. However, in India, this journey is fraught with challenges that go beyond the rigors of research. Stories of student exploitation by guides, irregular fellowships, and a preference for foreign-trained individuals over Indian PhDs are all too common. For some, a PhD is seen as a way to prolong their stay in the university campus when job prospects are bleak. However, this is a far cry from the West, where a PhD is a result-oriented program, decently funded, and offers better career opportunities in the private sector. The ...