Breaking the age barrier: Following passion

“The idea of pursuing a PhD didn’t solidify in my mind until I began teaching physics at IIT coaching centers after completing my Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication. During that time, I encountered books like “A Brief History of Time’’ and “The Road to Reality”, which ignited my passion for theoretical physics. Although I joined the Department of Functional Materials and Nanotechnology at IIT Madras to pursue an MTech, my decision to take elective courses in physics and pursue my Master’s dissertation in gravitational waves was initially met with disapproval from my course instructor. Convincing my Master’s supervisor to accept me as a student was also challenging, as not many engineers successfully transition to physicists. However, with the support of one of his PhD students and my strong performance in the electives, I managed to persuade him. But the prospect of spending 8 years on a PhD in Theoretical Physics at IIT Madras was daunting, and I feared being too old by the time I completed it. So I accepted a teaching position at ATRIA University in Bangalore after my MTech.

I soon realized though that if I didn’t pursue a PhD in the subject I loved, my passion would fade away. I discovered BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, which had an excellent team of theoretical physicists working on the General Theory of Relativity. It was a perfect fit for me. My desired supervisor was initially hesitant due to my background in gravitational waves, but he agreed to take me on if I had a co-supervisor, which was easy to get. I work on quantum gravity, a hot topic in the field, and I was able to start my research immediately without additional coursework, because I had an MTech degree.

But starting a PhD at an older age presented challenges too. My family was initially upset, as in Bihar, my native place, there’s a perception that pursuing higher studies indicates an inability to secure a proper job. However, I firmly believe in following one’s passion, even if it means defying societal norms. A senior here who started their PhD at 40 and completed it at 45, once told me, “If you do something you love, things fall into place no matter what.” His words inspired me greatly. I also think that starting a PhD later in life brings greater conviction and maturity to handle setbacks, which are advantageous in this long, arduous journey.”

-Rakesh Jha, PhD in Theoretical Physics, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad

Interviewed by Vaishnavi Bhope and written by Payel Das