A session was arranged for gifted students on 26th June 2021 which was facilitated by Dr. Rajni Panchang, a researcher & scientist in the field of Geology, Oceanography and Environmental Sciences; a free lance journalist, PhD Guide and a poetess.

Dr. Rajani Panchang began her session by tracing her academic journey from when she was a school student.

She said she never felt she was special in school unlike all her classmates as she always participated in dance,drama and sports. An average child with many problems in life earlier on,she was cooking for the household from the age of 9. She confessed that when her friends told her she was being tortured by family,she was grateful to have learned an important life skill. As a student of science,she opted for geology as her father felt that it was close to the engineering field.

She was rarely allowed field work and her mother accompanied her on many occasions.

She battled gender biases and fought her way through post-graduation and PhD. She narrated thrilling experiences on ships and her journey of scholarships and awards that came her way in her journey.

Dr. Rajani also spoke of her personal life and how people thought she would never return once she gave birth. But she proved them all wrong and returned with research grants and began writing her own projects.

She spoke about how it was vital to know each ones craft,be passionate and committed as also a sensitive person all at the same time.

The question answer session had to be interrupted after an hour long interaction.

The session was an inspiration to our students though presentee remains a concern. Only 48 students attended today. This needs to be addressed for the upcoming sessions.