“It is not important where you study but what you study.”

DR. DINESH SINGH Vice Chancellor, University Of Delhi

How it all began…

I started my academic journey in the field of mathematics as I had always felt I wanted to be a researcher. I completed my bachelors and masters in maths from St. Stephens College. I graduated in 1978 and went on to do my M. Phil. in math from Delhi University itself. Following my passion for research, I began studying for a PhD in math from Imperial College, London in 1981. Things were different during the years when I was a student. There was a certain amount of space which I and my peers enjoyed. Not just physical space, although Delhi was a lot less populated then too, but mental space. We didn’t feel this unbelievable pressure to succeed that students today seem to face. I have seen students worrying about salary and recruitment while still in high school. Thankfully, we were never subjected to these constant fears for professional success. I feel this gave us more time to spend listening to our inner voices and soaking in the experience of being a student itself.

Learning the ropes

Joining St. Stephens Math Department was great fun. I enjoyed my time there very much. My students were all motivated hard- working individuals and I tried my best to pass onto them my experiences in the field of maths. Of course, work also came with its share of challenges and stumbling blocks. I had a lot of work pressure and a heavy teaching schedule to cope with. I also felt at some point that I was drifting away from being a researcher. However, as I continued teaching I realised that this profession was actually contributing to my research skills. That was when I noticed that if you open your heart to every experience and strive to make the most of it, there is always something substantial and meaningful to be learned. One should never get overwhelmed by any situation. Every challenge can be changed to a positive experience. This is one of the most important lessons I have learnt during my career as a teacher and vice chancellor at Delhi University.

Life beyond work

Work is not all there is to life. To be able to enjoy and give your professional life the best, one must have a balanced and happy personal life too. I love to read, travel and listen to music. I write during my free time and sometimes send in work for publication. By pursuing a hobby or interest which has nothing to do with your profession one can learn a lot of things that will ultimately reflect in your work.

Career wise

I strongly believe that no individual should ever succumb to any kind of peer or societal pressure. It does not matter where you study, what you study and where you work. What should matter, and always matter, is what it is that you are doing. Do you love it? Do you hate it? Is it what you have always wanted to do? Is it something you want to continue doing? These are the questions one must ask themselves when choosing a career path. I have always advised my students to pursue the field that they are interested in regardless of what society says. Real success and satisfaction comes only if you are following the path to your dreams.

Hone your inner voice

One must examine their inner being and locate the voice within. It is this voice that you must learn to live in harmony with. We are all gifted wth talents and interests, it is important to sync this with what universities and work places have to offer.

As told to Sonali Acharjee