The Journey from a PhD Scholar to Becoming a Doctorate

“The bravery to pursue a dream, even when the journey is difficult, is what gives it strength.” By Dr. Jhanvi Khanna

As I reflect on my experiences, I am filled with a mix of emotions. The transition from being a PhD scholar to earning the prestigious title of “Doctor of Philosophy” has been an extraordinary journey. This path has been characterized by sacrifices, perseverance, and significant personal and academic growth. I started this journey with a dream fueled by curiosity and a commitment to expand my knowledge. However, this dream quickly turned into a test of endurance, filled with sleepless nights, self-doubt, and numerous challenges. The fear of not being good enough often loomed over me, and the constant pressure to excel tested my resolve. Yet, every setback became a stepping stone, pushing me to dig deeper and grow stronger.

Choosing a research topic and executing it was a challenging experience for me. My research focused on the sensitive issue of women and violence, which made the challenges even more complex. Delving into such a critical topic was both emotionally and intellectually demanding, requiring immense dedication and resilience. Completing this journey took four full years, during which I faced many obstacles, but ultimately, it was a transformative and enriching experience. The path to a PhD is not just an intellectual challenge; it is a profound test of one’s resilience. There were moments when failed experiments, rewritten drafts, and shattered hypotheses made me question my abilities. However, each failure taught me valuable lessons, reshaping my perspective and honing my skills.

A PhD scholar begins as unrefined gold, and through the rigorous process of research, transforms into pure, polished gold. Just as unrefined gold has inherent value but requires significant polishing to reveal its beauty, a PhD scholar’s journey starts with immense potential. Initially, it can be difficult for students to grasp the extent of the mental and emotional evolution they must undergo. They enter the research continuum eager to learn and acquire skills, but the journey is long and fraught with challenges.

Over time, the scholar’s raw ideas begin to solidify, their research focus sharpens, and their questions become clearer and easier to address. Gradually, they acquire knowledge, gain experience, and master their subject. This phase is crucial for personal transformation, even though progress may be slow and accompanied by self-doubt. Scholars start to see themselves not just as students but as contributors to knowledge in their field. The change becomes most apparent in the later stages of the PhD. Initially vague and disjointed ideas become organized, and the learner begins to shape knowledge, introducing new ideas and developments into their field. This is when they realize they are not just students but also authors and active participants in their research area.

The PhD program is a time of intellectual and personal self-discovery. Scholars experience a range of emotions, from the excitement of developing a research question to the anxiety of defending their dissertation. Some days are filled with discoveries, while others bring frustration and doubt. The time spent in libraries, labs, or in front of screens unfolds like a movie, blending persistence, sleepless nights, and shared experiences.

The PhD journey is a common experience, as illustrated by Dr. Priya Verma, who completed her PhD in Biotechnology from Chandigarh University after five challenging years. Her research aimed to find innovative solutions to combat antibiotic resistance, a critical task. “The first two years felt like wandering in a maze,” she shared. Experiments failed repeatedly, and some days, the data was incomprehensible. However, a breakthrough came in her third year during an unexpected conversation with a colleague, which opened new avenues for her research. Priya emphasized, “The key was perseverance. Every failure was a step closer to success.”

Another inspiring story comes from Mrs. Neerja Nagpal, a mother in her 50s who is pursuing her PhD at Amity University, Noida. She believes that age is no barrier to achieving one’s dreams. Despite initial struggles with technology, her PhD journey has equipped her with the skills she needed. She proudly states that she is transitioning from being a PhD scholar to earning her doctorate. With unwavering determination, she affirms that significant achievements are possible at any stage of life.

I also met Dr. Kavita Singh, who faced the challenge of balancing life and academia while pursuing her PhD in Computer Science from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra. She remarked that nothing is handed to us; we must earn it. Her PhD journey was fraught with difficulties, including funding issues and the demands of raising a young child. “There were nights when I worked on my thesis with a baby in one hand and a laptop in the other,” she recalled with a smile. Despite these challenges, she completed her doctorate in six years, demonstrating that resilience and resourcefulness can overcome even the toughest circumstances.

Dr. Ramesh Yadav, a scholar from Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, Faridabad, grew up in a small farming village where education was a rare privilege. Despite financial hardships and societal expectations to remain a farmer, Ramesh aspired to pursue higher studies. With his family's unwavering support, he excelled academically and was accepted into a PhD program in Environmental Science, focusing on sustainable farming practices. However, his journey was filled with challenges, including cultural adjustments in the city, lack of resources, and immense pressure to succeed. He stated, “Without my family’s sacrifices, this wouldn’t have been possible.” His parents sold a portion of their land to fund his education, and their belief in his dreams kept him motivated. After six years of relentless effort, Ramesh completed his doctorate and returned to his village, equipped with knowledge that could enhance farming practices for his community.

Family serves as the anchor that steadies us through life’s storms, the foundation that elevates us, and the sanctuary where love and support feel like home. Meeting Dr. Ramesh was a profound moment that highlighted the irreplaceable role family plays in shaping our strength and resilience. His insights made me realize that without the unwavering support of family, we are like trees without roots, unable to stand tall. I also want to express my gratitude to my family for their unwavering support throughout this journey.

Reflecting on this experience, I recognize that it was about more than just earning a degree. It was a transformative process that shaped me into someone capable of critical thinking and making meaningful contributions to society. The title of “PhD” symbolizes not only academic expertise but also years of effort, growth, and belief in the power of dreams. Amidst the struggles, there were moments of inspiration and breakthroughs that made the journey worthwhile. The joy of discovery, the satisfaction of solving complex problems, and the thrill of contributing to the vast pool of knowledge are rewards that few experiences can match.

The path to a PhD is rarely linear; it is an intricate dance of failures and triumphs, sleepless nights, and moments of inspiration. Yet, it is these challenges that shape us, refining not just our intellect but also our character. We begin as seekers of knowledge and evolve into contributors to the vast expanse of human understanding. As I transition from being a scholar to a doctorate, I am reminded of Nelson Mandela's words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Indeed, the impossible becomes possible with determination, faith, and perseverance.

To every aspiring scholar, I share this thought by Henry David Thoreau: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Pursue your goals with courage, for the reward lies not just in the destination but in the journey itself. This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to my family who believed in me, to mentors who guided me, and to the peers who walked alongside me. Therefore, I encourage anyone striving for this milestone to embrace the challenges, cherish the journey, and most importantly, never forget your dreams. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”