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Journalism of Courage
— Aijaz Maqbool Thoker
Growing up in Arampora Ichigam, a small village in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, about 20 km from Srinagar, my world was simple but full of curiosity. My early schooling happened in my hometown, where I developed a strong inclination toward science and problem-solving. My mother is a homemaker, my father runs a small business, and one of the most influential people in my life has been my uncle, a teacher who shaped my academic habits and discipline from a young age.
Today, I am 24 years old and currently undertaking my PhD with the IIT Madras-Deakin Research Academy. I am in the Civil Engineering department at IIT Madras, in my second year of the Joint PhD programme, working on the topic – ‘An effective framework for the extraction and utilisation of recycled materials in road infrastructure’. I will soon be heading to Deakin University, Australia.
After finishing my basic schooling in my village, I pursued a BTech in Civil Engineering at NIT Srinagar. I stayed active in projects, technical events and independent learning during my BTech years, but the real shift in my academic direction came when I joined IIT Madras for a research internship. That experience deepened my interest in research. I later returned to IIT Madras for my BTech project, which helped me clearly understand my strengths and long-term goals.
The real push towards research came during my internship at IIT Madras under the guidance of Dr Bibhuti Bhushan Bhardwaj (then PhD scholar, now assistant professor) and my mentor Prof Surender Singh. Their support made me see research as a meaningful path to solving real problems.
I applied to other IITs and received offers as well, but once I discovered the IIT Madras-Deakin Joint PhD programme, the decision became very straightforward. The opportunity to work under Prof Surender Singh and the nature of the programme aligned perfectly with my interests. My decision to pursue this branch was rooted in childhood observations – wanting to fix the roads I grew up travelling on. Over time, this simple thought grew into a focused interest in research-based solutions.
Full of greenery and wildlife, IIT Madras is one of the most beautiful campuses one can live in. Seeing deer, monkeys, and birds around campus becomes normal after some time. Professors are approachable and helpful, and the research environment is strong and supportive. The calm, peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to focus and grow. It has been wonderful being here.
Coming from the mountains of Kashmir to the beaches of Chennai was surely a major change. The heat and humidity were initially difficult for someone used to Kashmir’s cold climate. But campus life made the transition easy. The food was good, and my Kashmiri friends – our Kaeshir Baradari (Kashmiri Brotherhood) – helped me find a home away from home.
I did not enrol in any clubs or societies. My passion for my research stream motivates me deeply, and I have taken my studies head-on. I did participate in a few campus events, including technical workshops and institute fests. Being surrounded by so many active, curious students was energising.
Being at IIT has transformed me significantly. I have become more disciplined, more curious, and more confident in handling challenging work. The environment pushes you to think critically, to approach problems from different angles, and to constantly learn.
In between experiments and reading, I take a small tea break. I enjoy playing volleyball whenever I get the time. It helps me unwind. Within the campus, Zaitoon is my favourite hangout spot to relax, have tea or food, and spend quality time with friends.
I have not yet travelled to Deakin, but I imagine it to be a phase of learning, collaboration, and exposure to advanced research facilities. I look forward to attending conferences, gaining new techniques, and bringing innovative ideas back to my group at IIT Madras. My primary goal is to stay focused, work efficiently within time-bound frameworks, and explore the city and its culture while I’m there.
For me, the IIT–Deakin research pathway stands out because of the dual supervision and the exposure to two distinct research environments. Access to advanced facilities, resources, and funding on both sides helps me broaden my thinking and explore techniques I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. It contributes to my personal growth by building confidence and independence, while also strengthening my professional profile.
After completing my PhD, I see myself continuing in research and eventually moving into academia.
My BTech gave me fundamentals, IIT Madras exposed me to research and real-world problems, and this Joint PhD is helping me gain the depth needed for a long-term academic career.
