From Novice to Scholar
Author: Rushikesh Mohite
My journey from a student to a researcher began when I was in my first year in 2019 and our teacher introduced us to research. The only thing I knew was the desire to discover something new.
During my early years of BHMS, I was shy, introverted, and anxious about the results. The CCRH-STSH was new to me and I felt confused and hesitant with many questions bothering me. However, my teacher/guide encouraged and motivated me through these uncertainties.
As I was the first student of MKSH to be shortlisted in CCRH, I had no one from the senior batch who would guide me or help me on how to execute the research project. Fortunately, I received a lot of support from my institution, principal and teachers. My research topic was
"Study of Standardisation of a New Drug, Moringa Oleifera, by Standardisation Methods of Homoeopathic Pharmacy."
Only six students were shortlisted in Gujarat and three were from our college, including me. Despite the major challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, I managed to complete tasks from data collection to sample testing in the laboratory during the lockdown, following proper precautions and guidelines. I maintained daily communication with my guide and research team.
When faced with confusion or had difficulty with management, my mentor advised me, “Don’t answer or react emotionally, rather respond intellectually." This advice ingrained in my mind and it helped me reach a stable position today.
I learned valuable lessons during this journey:
Inquisitiveness and curiosity are crucial for learning. Satisfaction with the status quo hampers learning.
Patience is essential in research, as it is a long and steady process requiring months or even years to yield results.
Authenticity and ethics form the foundation of credible research, ensuring integrity, transparency, and reliability.
Research also developed leadership and ownership qualities in me. These responsibilities gradually developed during my research journey. I now guide juniors participating in the STSH programme, encouraging them to enter research for a brighter future. I emphasise that it's not just about success; I faced rejection twice and won twice. However, I never thought of giving up, as the process itself is full of challenges and learning, so it's important to enjoy the journey.
Despite facing ridicule initially, my peers now seek my guidance for their assignments and dissertations. People who once doubted me now recognise the importance of my research. Their change in attitude shows that my hard work and dedication were indeed worthwhile. I am grateful to my parents, who were with me during my challenging learning phase in this research journey.
About Author:
*STSH Study 2019- “Study of standardization a new drug moringa oleifera by standardisation methods of homoeopathic pharmacy.”
*STSH Study 2022- A single blind uncontrolled experimental study on the action of cinnabaris in various potencies in cases of heel pain with or without calcaneal spur using foot functional index
Acknowledgement
Inspiring journey all the best