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Journalism of Courage
— Dhiman Sahil
I was never the brightest student growing up, and if you had told my younger self that I would one day be completing a PhD in a prestigious institution like IIT Hyderabad, I would have laughed. But looking back, I see that my journey has been one of persistence, passion, and self-discovery.
I grew up in Jalandhar, a city in Punjab famous for its leather goods. My father was a businessman, and my mother was a homemaker. Though I initially dreamt of pursuing MBBS, I lacked the sincerity and focus needed to crack the medical entrance exams. My scores in JEE Mains weren’t exceptional either, which meant that I had to settle for a state-level university for my BTech in Mechanical Engineering.
At that time, most people believed that mechanical engineering promised good job opportunities. But for me, something changed along the way. The subjects that once seemed like mere coursework — physics and manufacturing — became topics of genuine interest. I found myself wanting to explore beyond textbooks. It was during my third year that I met Dr S Singh, my mentor. Under his guidance, I worked on projects that sparked my love for research. I still remember the day I submitted my first draft of a review article, nervous about his feedback. To my surprise, he appreciated it, and that paper remains the most cited one in my Google Scholar profile today.
With his support, I secured a nine-month internship at IIT Ropar, where I worked with an incredible team led by Prof H Singh. I collaborated closely with a PhD scholar, Dr M Singh, and the experience solidified my decision to pursue research seriously. This led me to enroll for an ME in Production Engineering at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, where I deliberately chose a research-oriented major project. The results of this project were novel and gave me the confidence to take up a PhD.
Joining IIT Hyderabad for my PhD in the Centre of Interdisciplinary Programs, working at the interface of mechanical engineering and material science, was a defining moment. The rigorous research environment, the access to world-class faculty, and the state-of-the-art laboratories all helped shape me into the researcher I am today. Discipline and patience became second nature. I spent my weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm in the lab, pushing my experiments forward. After hours, I made it a habit to go for a run daily, which helped relieve stress.
While research was my main focus, I also made sure to explore life outside academics. I would often visit places like Banjara Hills and Hitech City with friends, trying out different foods and experiencing the culture of Hyderabad. These moments kept me balanced amid the intense research workload.
In May 2023, I got the opportunity to travel to Deakin University, Australia, for a research residency. It was my first time traveling abroad, and I was both excited and nervous. Adjusting to a new environment took some effort, but I was fortunate to find accommodation with an Indian family in a shared house. Cooking my own meals became a routine, and I even experimented with different cuisines.
Academically, the experience was incredible. I worked in top-tier labs and collaborated with brilliant researchers. My schedule at Deakin was intense — starting my day at 8 am and often working late into the night. But it was enjoyable, thanks to the amazing colleagues I met there. A special mention goes to Luke Tyrell, a tech staff member who went above and beyond to help me complete my experiments on time, even staying late at the university.
Despite the workload, I made sure to enjoy my time in Australia. I joined the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), although my tight schedule prevented me from attending many events. However, I never missed our weekend outings. My friends and I made it a mission to visit a new place every weekend, and by the end of my stay, we had covered almost every beach in Melbourne and Geelong.
One of my fondest memories from Deakin was during the Christmas holidays. It was a lonely time, being away from family, but my supervisor hosted a group lunch at his residence. He and his family cooked authentic Chinese cuisine, and though the flavours were new to me, I still remember how delicious the dumplings were.
Spending four years at IIT Hyderabad and over a year at Deakin has transformed me in ways I never imagined. I have become more disciplined, more patient, and more capable of critical thinking. Research, I have realized, is more than just intelligence—it requires management skills, planning, discipline, and resilience.
Now, as I stand at the threshold of completing my PhD, I see myself venturing into industry-based research, focusing on product-oriented innovations. My journey — from being an uncertain student to becoming a passionate researcher — has taught me that success is not just about being bright but about being persistent and willing to learn.
Looking back, I feel grateful for every challenge, every mentor, and every opportunity that has brought me here. And as I move forward, I hope to carry the same passion, curiosity, and discipline into the next phase of my career.
