Mumbai: HSNC University’s R & D Cell organised its first Research Scholars’ Conclave this week, bringing together incoming Ph.D. candidates, Deans, Directors, Principals and Faculty for a series of inspiring talks and networking opportunities.
The Conclave, designed to guide and motivate incoming doctoral students, featured a keynote address by Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, who shared valuable insights on navigating the rigorous Ph.D. journey. The Conclave also sought to foster collaboration and support among scholars, ensuring they are equipped for the challenges and successes that lie ahead.
In her inspiring address to the incoming cohort of Ph.D. students, Dr. Bagla, outlined the pivotal steps and key strategies involved in earning a doctoral degree and encouraged the new cohort to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Dr. Bagla congratulated the students for signing up for their Ph.D. at HSNC University, Mumbai and spoke about the importance of setting clear research goals, maintaining regular communication with advisors, staying organised, perseverance, time management and actively seeking peer support to foster collaboration.
She explained that cultivating a strong work-life balance and remaining resilient through setbacks are key to achieving long-term success. She also cautioned against common pitfalls which can derail their progress, including procrastination, isolation from the academic community, over-committing to projects and neglecting personal well-being.
“Embarking on a Ph.D. is no small feat. It requires dedication, resilience and a deep passion for discovery. But it is also a journey of self-growth, where each challenge you face will shape you into not only a scholar but a well-rounded individual. View challenges as opportunities,” she contended.
Dr. Bagla acknowledged the unique pressures that doctoral students face, balancing intensive research work with personal responsibilities. She also shared insight into the key steps involved in a successful Ph. D. journey—from selecting a research topic and forming meaningful collaborations to the importance of networking and publishing work in academic journals.
She reminded students that the road ahead would require resilience but promised them that the end result would be immensely rewarding, both intellectually and professionally. She explained that setbacks are a natural part of the process, but it’s how students respond to them that will determine their ultimate success.
HSNC University Hosts First Research Scholars’ Conclave | File Photo
She emphasised that even the most accomplished scholars often grapple with feelings of inadequacy, especially during difficult phases of research. She shared personal anecdotes from her own Ph.D. experience, offering a candid reflection on the challenges she faced, including moments of self-doubt and despair.
“There was a time during my research when I hit a major roadblock. I had been working on a complex Calcium extraction experiment for months, only to have it fail at the final stage. I was devastated and felt like I had wasted all that time. I even questioned whether I was cut out for research. Believe me, nothing ever goes waste,” Dr. Bagla divulged.
“But I learned that these feelings are normal and what matters most is how you push through them, stay focused and continue to trust in your work and potential,” she asserted as the jam-packed hall broke into applause. Dr. Bagla concluded by encouraging students to embrace these struggles as part of the journey and reminded them that perseverance and self-compassion are essential in overcoming such obstacles.
Dr. Leena Pujari, Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies, then took the stage, offering a detailed presentation to the incoming PhD students. Her session provided invaluable insights into the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, which are essential for navigating the academic landscape of doctoral studies. She meticulously outlined the key regulations and expectations, ensuring that students understood their responsibilities regarding research conduct, coursework and publication requirements.
HSNC University Hosts First Research Scholars’ Conclave | File Photo
Throughout the presentation, Dr. Pujari emphasised the importance of adhering to these standards, not just for academic compliance, but also for fostering a culture of integrity and excellence in research.
She also encouraged the students to stay updated on any changes to the guidelines, noting that staying informed would help them avoid common pitfalls and navigate their academic journey more effectively. Her session was informative and offered students a clear roadmap of what to expect as they embark on their doctoral studies.
This was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where students eagerly asked questions about the guidelines and their practical implications. The lively discussion continued over lunch, as faculty and scholars shared experiences and advice, further enriching the students’ understanding of what lies ahead in their academic journey.
The Research Scholars’ Conclave reaffirmed the University’s commitment to research excellence. As the new batch of Ph.D. students prepares to dive into their academic pursuits, the message was clear: the path to a Ph.D. is challenging, but with the right mindset and support, success is well within reach.
HSNC University’s R&D Cell plans to host moresuch events in the future, including workshops, discussions and networking opportunities, all designed to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration among HSNC University’s brightest minds.
