When I initially heard the term Research Science Initiative India, it seemed unattainable. The program accepted a mere 31 students from around the country, and the idea of spending six weeks at IISc Bangalore researching under professors was intimidating. But today, when I look back, I can genuinely say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I went into RSI with a mind filled with doubts, questions, and a childish desire to learn. And that’s precisely what the programme gave me in return. It was almost like starting science all over from the beginning, posing the “most foolish” questions (the sort even ChatGPT would raise an eyebrow at) and absorbing knowledge from all directions: my PhD guide, the professors, and even fellow students. Each nook and cranny of IISc had a lesson or two to impart, if one was open to listening. What surprised me the most was that I actually loved working hard. My days did not follow a routine at all; I slept after sunrise and woke up just in time to have lunch before it ended, went to have tea at 4 a.m., and received judgmental looks from the chaiwala uncle. These are some things I will never ever forget.
I am also very grateful for my Guide, Prof. Siddharth Jhunjhunwala, for constant guidance and encouragement, and for my PhD guide, Mr. Abhinav Raghunath, for taking me through every step. With their help, I worked on a project titled “Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Type 2 Diabetes Using Non-Glycemic Parameters”. This work went on to receive the Outstanding Written Presentation Award in Biology, a recognition that still felt unbelievable. And then there were the friends who made RSI more than a research programme. Aditya Sharma, Shashwat Mishra, Aadrika Maurya, Rudransh Singh, Akshat Singhania, Nahid Ahmed, Vivan Mirchandani, Amairah Anand, and Dev Karan; thank you for being a part of this experience. From grumbling over code that would not execute to laughter echoing through the halls of IISc, all of you made the six weeks unforgettable. RSI India was about more than science. It was about learning how much fun there can be in learning, working hard, boldly asking questions, and forming relationships that last long after the research is complete. It taught me that intimidation can be transformed into inspiration through the power of curiosity as a guiding force.
– Aahan Prajapati
