““You will not be able to make it to any good institute for your Masters” my undergraduate professor had once shouted at me for simply sharing a joke in class.

The words echoed distantly in my ears as I stepped into one of the most premier institutes of the country to do my Masters. PhD was never part of the plan, it had always been eventually cracking the UPSC. At first I took it up without deep thought, thinking I can manage UPSC preparations on the side. But slowly day by day, piece by piece, I started enjoying what I did. I started loving Science.

But there are other challenges. I am the first person in my family pursuing a PhD. I am 28 and unmarried. Women in my family get married by 25. My parents are now concerned about my wedding. Sometimes I feel I am hurting them with my choice, that I am doing something wrong. But I keep pushing nevertheless.

In addition, sometimes it becomes more challenging because I get very little support from my supervisor. I had a difficult time when I started out because I didn’t have very friendly labmates either. With time, the environment vastly improved but my supervisor didn’t. He even texts me on Sundays to come to work sometimes. I find this unprofessional.

I think this is a big problem Indians in academia face, the lack of professionalism between both teachers and students. Instead of developing our scientific acumen, almost half our time is spent in doing clerical tasks like grading papers, ordering laboratory equipment and reagents, managing bills; there is little to no time left for self study and strengthening our literature.

I have been really overwhelmed with everything lately, so for my peace of mind during these crazy times, I have blocked my supervisor on WhatsApp. For now at least. I need a break!”

— Anonymous, PhD in Biosciences and Bioengineering