On this International Women’s Day, I had the joy of hosting a talk that felt less like a podcast and more like a homecoming. I sat down with two of the most dedicated students I have ever mentored: Dr. Anisha and Dr. Nishtha.
Their journey is truly inspiring. They went from the lecture halls of Delhi University to the research labs of IISc Bangalore. Today, they work in science in Austria and Australia. In short, their story is the kind of change every physics aspirant dreams of.
So for students preparing for CSIR NET Physical Sciences, IIT JAM Physics and GATE, this journey offers more than inspiration. It also gives a clear roadmap to excellence.
Watch the International Women’s Day Podcast
You can watch our full conversation below.
International Women’s Day Story: Two Delhi Girls on the Global Stage
Every great journey has a starting point, and this International Women’s Day story is no different. For Anisha and Nishtha, it was Delhi University.
- Dr. Anisha studied at Miranda House.
- Meanwhile, Dr. Nishtha studied at St. Stephen’s College.
Also, both were good enough to win places elsewhere, including at IITs. Yet they chose to continue in Delhi. Later, they moved to one of India’s top research centres: CeNSE (Centre for Nano Science and Engineering) at IISc Bangalore.
Their story reminds us that success is not about the college alone. Rather, it comes from a clear direction and a real commitment to learning.
The Leap of Faith: Investing in Your Own Future
Sometimes success begins with one hard decision.
For example, Dr. Anisha recalled a moment that captures this well. She bought a ₹31,000 last-minute flight ticket to attend her IISc interview. For a student, that was a lot of money. But the choice was not about money. Instead, it was about belief.
She had to choose between:
- staying in her comfort zone, or
- taking a risk for a bigger future.
Finally, she chose the challenge. And that choice opened the door to a PhD at one of India’s most respected science institutes.
For students preparing for CSIR NET or IIT JAM, this lesson matters a lot. Sometimes you must invest in your own future before the world sees your potential.
The Reality of a PhD: Grit Over Glamour
Many students picture a PhD as a glamorous journey of ideas. In reality, it is a test of patience and resilience.
Indeed, both Anisha and Nishtha faced what every experimental physicist faces sooner or later: failed setups, long hours in the lab and surprise research problems.
- Dr. Anisha first worked on LED devices. Later, she moved to photodetectors when technical barriers came up.
- Dr. Nishtha, on the other hand, worked on nanomechanics and quantum devices, pushing the limits of nanoscale physics.
Their stories show a simple truth. A PhD is not about always being brilliant. Instead, it is about staying committed even when experiments fail again and again. In research, grit matters more than talent alone.
Two Different Paths After the PhD
One of the best parts of our talk was seeing how two strong physicists chose very different paths after their PhDs.
Dr. Nishtha: Academia
She chose academic research and now works at the University of Queensland, Australia. As a result, academia lets her set her own research questions and push science forward.
Dr. Anisha: Industry
She moved into semiconductor research at Infineon Technologies in Austria. There, she works on Gallium Nitride devices, a technology that shapes modern electronics.
Their choices show that physics opens many career doors, from basic research to cutting-edge industry. For more on these options, see our career guidance articles.
International Women’s Day Lessons for Physics Aspirants
During our talk, several strong insights came up for students preparing for CSIR NET, IIT JAM, GATE and other physics exams. Here are the most important ones.
1. Kill the “What If” Culture
One of the best pieces of advice came from Dr. Anisha. Instead of thinking “What if I fail?”, ask yourself “So what?”
If you fail a test, an interview or an exam attempt, study what went wrong. Then learn from it and move on. After all, failure is an event, not a person.
2. Close the Consistency Gap
Today, technology makes learning easier but focus harder. Online lectures and digital tools give great chances. However, they also bring distractions.
Success in physics needs deep focus and steady work. You cannot reach global standards with half-hearted effort. As we said in the podcast, you must crawl through the basics of physics before you can run towards a PhD.
3. Honesty and Self-Drive Matter More Than Talent
Every serious research journey tests your inner drive. No mentor, institute or programme can carry you through a six-year PhD without it. So ask yourself honestly:
- First, are you steady in your prep?
- Also, do you truly enjoy solving physics problems?
- Finally, are you curious about how nature works?
If the answer is yes, you already have the most important thing for success.
4. Do Not Hold Yourself Back
This message matters most for young women in STEM careers. Do not wait until you feel “perfect” before you apply for chances. The world of science moves fast. So the best way to grow is to:
- apply early,
- take part actively, and
- finally, speak with confidence about your goals.
Above all, never let your own doubt become the biggest barrier to your progress.
A Mentor’s Perspective This International Women’s Day
As a teacher, moments like this mean a great deal. I still remember urging both Anisha and Nishtha to think about moving to Bangalore for IISc, even when they were unsure about leaving Delhi.
In the end, a mentor’s role is often simple: to help students see their own potential before they see it themselves.
Today, one has evening tea in Brisbane, and the other has breakfast in Villach, Austria. Watching them succeed on the global stage makes me deeply proud. It also confirms a core belief of mine: when honesty meets first-principles thinking, the world has no borders.
Final Words on International Women’s Day: Stay Hungry, Stay Honest
At Pravegaa Education, our goal goes beyond exams. Instead, we aim to prepare students for a life in science. Whether your dream is to:
- lead a research lab,
- work in advanced tech industries, or
- join global science teams,
the base stays the same: curiosity, discipline and perseverance. That is the real message of International Women’s Day for every aspirant.
To every young aspirant preparing today for CSIR NET, IIT JAM and GATE Physics: your global journey begins with the discipline you practise today. Happy International Women’s Day.
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About Pravegaa Education
Pravegaa Education mentors physics aspirants preparing for CSIR NET Physical Sciences, IIT JAM Physics and GATE Physics. Moreover, our programmes combine first-principles teaching, tough problem solving and personal mentorship. Together, they help students succeed in both exams and research careers.