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Journalism of Courage
— Robin Rathi
Hailing from a small village called Kamaruddinnagar in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, I grew up in a joint family of 25 members where hierarchy and tradition held significant importance. Being a girl in a rural area brought its own challenges, where opportunities seemed limited, and education was rarely a priority.
Despite this, I always had a burning desire to break stereotypes and create a better future for myself and the girls in my family. My parents supported me to the best of their ability, though I faced limitations—attending nearby schools, no tuition, and inadequate infrastructure.
After completing my Class 12 exams in a Hindi-medium Uttar Pradesh board school, I became the pride of my family when I scored the highest marks in the area. My family started to see a future for me in engineering, though sending me away to study wasn’t an easy decision. In a display of tremendous support, my uncle and aunt moved to Delhi with me so I could pursue my BTech in Aeronautical Engineering at a private college. This gesture was a significant sacrifice for them, and while the financial strain was evident, it fuelled my determination to succeed.
In 2013, I decided to take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam, recognising it as the key to higher education in India’s premier institutes. With the help of friends and coaching materials, I successfully cleared GATE, securing admission to Punjab Engineering College (PEC) for a masters in engineering. This experience opened up my world, broadening my perspective on problem-solving and developing my passion for research. It was at PEC that I realized research was my true calling.
After my master’s, I got an opportunity to work on a DRDO project at IIT Madras in 2017, which gave me exposure to cutting-edge research. I met several scientists and explored various DRDO labs, helping refine my approach to research.
Life in Chennai was not without its challenges. Adjusting to the extreme humidity and heat after coming from the cooler climes of Uttar Pradesh was tough. The cultural differences, including language barriers, were initially overwhelming, but over time, I embraced the diversity of the IIT Madras community, including the campus, vibrant with students, faculty, and opportunities, which gave me a sense of belonging.
In January 2018, I got married, and my husband, who was also pursuing his master’s at IIT Madras, joined me on this journey. He has just started his startup in the energy storage field along with his studies.
In 2022, I officially joined IIT Madras as a PhD student under the guidance of Prof Tiju Thomas from Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and Prof Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy from Aerospace Engineering. My research focuses on solid propellant rocket fuel, a challenging but exciting field.
Balancing academic and personal life has been both rewarding and challenging. After starting my PhD, I knew passing the comprehensive written and viva exams was crucial for staying in the programme. I was pregnant at the time, so I aimed to finish my coursework quickly. In six months, I completed everything with a CGPA of 9.23 and cleared the comprehensive exam. Just two days later, in February 2023, my daughter was born.
During maternity leave, my workaholic nature kicked in, and I felt the need to stay active. I joined various clubs, became the head of Hindi Mitra Mandal, and an executive in the Research Affairs Council, organising workshops and events. I also took entrepreneurship training and joined the G20 programme in Gurugram as a cyber volunteer, even being honored by the Home Minister. I confidently carried my newborn along to all these activities, motivated to keep pushing boundaries.
Balancing motherhood while pursuing my PhD in rocket science was never going to be easy. But my determination to set an example for her, and for other women who face similar challenges, kept me going.
In 2024, I ran for the position of Research Affairs Secretary (RAS), a decision that raised many eyebrows. Could a mother with a toddler lead one of the most significant student bodies on campus?
With the unshakable support of my husband, parents, and brothers, I campaigned, determined to break the stigma surrounding working mothers. Winning the election was a testament to my resolve, and I now oversee several key initiatives at IIT Madras, including the Placement & Internship Cell, Skill Development Cell, and the Outbound Training (OBT) Program. The sense of responsibility and fulfillment I get from contributing to the institute’s growth and well-being is indescribable.
Looking forward, my dreams are twofold – to excel in rocket science research and to give back to my community. After completing my PhD, I aspire to contribute to the field of aerospace, possibly as an academician or researcher. I also have entrepreneurial ambitions, hoping to leverage my knowledge to create jobs and opportunities for the younger generation.
Moreover, I am passionate about addressing the educational challenges that still exist in my village. I plan to set up a career consultancy focused on empowering rural girls, helping them break the cycle of limitations that I once faced. With the support of my mentors, family, and the IIT Madras community, I feel empowered to take on the challenges ahead.
In everything I do, I carry the lessons learned from my journey—dedication, perseverance, and the belief that education can transform lives.
