International Women’s Day Special: From DU to the Global Stage — A Masterclass in Physics and Resilience with Dr. Anisha and Dr. Nishtha
On this International Women’s Day, I had the privilege of hosting a conversation 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 nothing short of inspiring. From the lecture halls of Delhi University to the advanced research labs of IISc Bangalore, and today contributing to global science ecosystems in Austria and Australia, their story represents the kind of transformation every physics aspirant dreams of.
For students preparing for CSIR NET Physical Sciences, IIT JAM Physics, and GATE, this journey offers more than inspiration — it provides a clear roadmap to excellence.
Two Delhi Girls Who Took Physics to the Global Stage
Every remarkable journey begins with a shared starting point. For Anisha and Nishtha, that point was Delhi University.
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Dr. Anisha studied at Miranda House
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Dr. Nishtha studied at St. Stephen’s College
Both were talented enough to secure opportunities elsewhere, including IITs. Yet they chose to continue their academic journey in Delhi before eventually moving toward one of India’s most prestigious research centers — CeNSE (Centre for Nano Science and Engineering) at IISc Bangalore.
Their story reminds us that success is not about the institution alone, but about the clarity of direction and commitment to learning.
The Leap of Faith: Investing in Your Own Future
Sometimes success begins with a single difficult decision.
Dr. Anisha recalled a moment that perfectly captures this idea — purchasing a ₹31,000 last-minute flight ticket to attend her IISc interview.
For a student, that amount was significant. But the decision was not about money; it was about belief.
It was a choice between:
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Staying within the comfort zone of familiarity, or
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Taking a risk toward a bigger future
She chose the challenge.
And that decision opened the door to a PhD at one of India’s most respected scientific institutions.
For students preparing for competitive exams like CSIR NET or IIT JAM, this lesson is crucial:
Sometimes you must invest in your own future before the world recognizes your potential.
The Reality of a PhD: Grit Over Glamour
Many students imagine a PhD as a glamorous intellectual journey. In reality, it is a test of persistence and resilience.
Both Anisha and Nishtha experienced what every experimental physicist eventually faces — technical failure, long hours in the lab, and unexpected research challenges.
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Dr. Anisha initially worked on LED devices but later shifted her focus to photodetectors when technical barriers arose.
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Dr. Nishtha explored the complex world of nanomechanics and quantum devices, pushing the boundaries of nanoscale physics.
Their experiences reinforce a powerful truth:
A PhD is not about always being brilliant.
It is about staying committed even when experiments fail repeatedly.
In research, grit matters more than talent alone.
Two Different Paths After the PhD
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was seeing how two brilliant physicists chose different directions after completing their PhDs.
Dr. Nishtha — Academia
She chose the path of academic research and is currently working at the University of Queensland, Australia.
Academia allows her to define her own research questions and push scientific understanding forward.
Dr. Anisha — Industry
She moved into advanced semiconductor industry research at Infineon Technologies, Austria, working with Gallium Nitride semiconductor devices — technologies that directly impact modern electronics and global markets.
Their choices show that physics opens multiple career doors — from fundamental research to cutting-edge technological innovation.
Lessons for the Next Generation of Physics Aspirants
During our conversation, several powerful insights emerged for students preparing for CSIR NET, IIT JAM, GATE, and other competitive physics exams.
Here are some of the most important lessons.
1. Kill the “What If” Culture
One of the most powerful pieces of advice came from Dr. Anisha.
Instead of thinking:
“What if I fail?”
Replace it with:
“So what?”
If you fail a test, an interview, or an exam attempt — analyze it, learn from it, and move forward.
Failure is not a person.
Failure is an event.
2. Close the Consistency Gap
We live in a world where technology makes learning easier but focus harder.
Hybrid learning, online lectures, and digital resources provide incredible opportunities. But they also create distractions.
Success in physics requires deep concentration and consistency.
You cannot reach global standards with half-hearted effort.
As we discussed during the podcast:
You must be willing to crawl through the fundamentals of physics before you can run toward a PhD.
3. Honesty and Self-Drive Matter More Than Talent
Every serious research journey eventually tests your intrinsic motivation.
No mentor, no coaching institute, and no structured program can carry you through a 6-year PhD without your own drive.
Ask yourself honestly:
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Are you consistent in your preparation?
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Do you genuinely enjoy solving physics problems?
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Are you curious about how nature works?
If the answer is yes, you already possess the most important ingredient for success.
4. Don’t Self-Sabotage Your Own Opportunities
This message is especially important for young women pursuing STEM careers.
Do not wait until you feel “perfect” before applying for opportunities.
The scientific world is evolving rapidly. The best way to grow is to:
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Apply early
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Participate actively
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Speak confidently about your goals
Your hesitation should never become the biggest barrier to your progress.
A Mentor’s Perspective
As a teacher, moments like this are deeply rewarding.
I still remember encouraging both Anisha and Nishtha to consider moving to Bangalore for IISc, even when they were unsure about leaving Delhi.
Sometimes the role of a mentor is simple:
To help students see their own potential before they see it themselves.
Today, watching them succeed on the global stage — one having evening tea in Brisbane and the other morning breakfast in Villach, Austria — is an immense source of pride.
It reinforces my belief in something fundamental:
When honesty meets first-principles thinking, the world has no borders.
Final Words: Stay Hungry, Stay Honest
At Pravegaa Education, our goal goes beyond preparing students for exams.
We aim to prepare students for life in science.
Whether your dream is to:
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Lead a research laboratory
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Work in advanced technology industries
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Pursue global scientific collaborations
The foundation remains the same:
✔ Curiosity
✔ Discipline
✔ Perseverance
To all the young aspirants preparing today for CSIR NET, IIT JAM, and GATE Physics:
Your global journey begins with the discipline you practice today.
Happy International Women’s Day.
About Pravegaa Education
Pravegaa Education is dedicated to mentoring physics aspirants preparing for CSIR NET Physical Sciences, IIT JAM Physics, and GATE Physics. Our programs combine first-principles teaching, rigorous problem solving, and personalized mentorship to help students achieve success in both examinations and research careers.
