When could Ph.D. be Difficult to Handle!
By: Dr. Ashraf Amin
One of the most covetous degrees to achieve is Ph.D. in academics. However, it is not easy to earn the title of a ‘Doctor’ [in Philosophy]. It takes strong will and the sacrifice besides research aptitude and competency. Owing to the popularity and honor gained by accomplishing the doctorate degree, many among our post graduate fraternity of students chase for that achievement.
And ironically most are driven by the magnitude of the ‘Title’ and few by the academic vigor, curiosity, passion and the sense of contribution. Needless to say that some chose Ph.D. only to engage their selves for some period of time as the employment opportunities are scarce, few others stick to Ph.D. for the sake of scholarship and UGC grants.
The agony is sparked, when the candidate is left to his own to come up with some research proposal in a stipulated time. On many occasions, the aspirant fails to convince his supervisor/guide on a specific theme he had thought to research upon; eventually he ends up accepting with a research topic strange to him. The tragedy is doubled, when the aspirant knows little or nothing of research tools and methodologies.
He wrestles hard to frame a synopsis outlining his research objectives and hypothesis. To defend one’s synopsis is equally tedious and brain squeezing. The hard times are multiplied, when the research guide and the specific institution calls for the research progress reports on monthly, three monthly or half yearly basis. The anxiety grips the candidate, when he/she is required to publish and present research papers in the journals and conferences respectively.
Then begins the editing and discussion with the guide and often many arguments put forward are either to be modified or completely substituted by other arguments. Thus begins the period of frustration, confusion, insomnia and often loneliness.
The major cause behind all such troubles is the lack of clarity in one thoughts and articulation. Ph.D. is not to pile up pages but to write with precision and clarity. Those who are consciously into the research, enjoy every bit of it. Every day is a joy for them for they discover some new knowledge, some fresh concepts. It is however not that such men are immune from the complications of the research program lasting years together. Writer’s block, delaying tactics, boredom often overwhelms a scholar.
But a definite research goal keeps him moving after a pause or a blockade. The research and its results are dearer to him/her than the ‘honorary title’. Such seekers of knowledge are not made abruptly, their temperament and aptitude is born at UG and PG levels. They are good at questioning, better at discussing and curious at learning. Those who think of cracking high profile exams like IAS, IFS, etc. don’t begin to prepare after the completion of BA/B.Sc, they are already in the preparation throughout their education of UG courses. Similarly a good researcher is not born after Master’s degree but he/she is already a constant researcher in the given period.
One may question that how could then such huge number of candidates accomplish the most complex degree under discussion. The answer is simple, how much is the impact of those researches! [I am not making a sweeping statement]. My contention is that why should one spent the most precious and strategic years of his/her life in the pursuit of Ph.D., when it fetches nothing countable to them! After the completion of the degree, the candidate has attained the age of 30 or more. He could have prepared for some other competitive exam or skill and getting a job within that period. Besides during the research period, he least thinks of marriage, otherwise the best age of marriage! Many may even cross the age of marriage in the course.
Remember, we are made different, we must choose wisely. Our sphere of influence is varied. One who is not good at research in a specific field may go for some other pursuit more suitable to him/her. Only those who have a leaning and passion for the research may step forward and explore the world of knowledge and specialization. It is for those who want to make a difference in the knowledge structure, epistemology, and higher purposes of life. Those who are driven by popular pressure and faulty goal settings must not plunge into the trouble. Ph.D. could be a healthy pursuit or a painful journey!
Those who are serious about research begin to explore their research acumen in UG and PG courses or much earlier. Ph.D. scholars are the most competent lot of the society. They are tremendous assets. Research gives birth to thinkers, scientists, reformers and revivalists. Hence in that case one must know the gravity of the task to be accomplished! The institutions must be vibrant in providing research infrastructure, organizing workshops, maintaining well furnished libraries and sophisticated laboratories and ease for the researchers.
Those of our brothers and sisters who are already in the Ph.D. at least in Kashmir must work systematically, steadily, constantly and hold on to patience till the goal is achieved. My message would be: Don’t give up. Read smarter, have discussions and learn the art to navigate through the tough times. Connect to the resource persons. Avail the best of the facilities from the institution, you are enrolled in. libraries are the best palaces of research. Don’t shun libraries; the environment of the library is itself morale boosting. Those researchers who spent more time in the library are proven to submit their research theses in due time. Remember no pains, no gains! All the tiredness and agony would evaporate as soon as you are awarded for your hard-labor.
And yes, don’t prefer Ph.D. above your lives! Life is more precious! Health is more precious! Talk to your guide, when you are stuck badly. Speak to your parents, friends, well-wishers, for sharing lowers the burden. Take part in games and other physical exercises. Perform meditations [Salah could be the best Tranquilizer in case you are a Muslim]. Wishing all the best to those who are in the Research!
