Attending St. Stephen’s College at Delhi University was my first step beyond the familiar well.  There, I made friends from different regions of India—each speaking different languages and carrying distinct cultures and customs! Two of my professors, Prof. G. Venkataraman and Prof. R. Mohan, both female mathematicians, became my inspiration. They encouraged me to pursue an academic career.

Leaving my hometown, I enrolled in the M.Math. program at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Bangalore—a prestigious research institution in the southern Indian state. For the first time, I encountered Olympiad-level students. Although I had secured admission through an entrance exam and interview, I quickly realized that my undergraduate mathematics knowledge was insufficient!

The institute itself was quite small, with very few female math students, and almost all my classmates had completed their B.Math. there, making them insiders. However, two things were great: I was learning new mathematics at an accelerated pace, and all my expenses were covered—along with an additional scholarship. It was my first experience of full economic freedom! It took me a few months, but I eventually settled into the rhythm, relishing South Indian cuisine and picking up Kannada, the local language.  

While topology and number theory were my favorite topics during my Master’s, my advisor, Prof. B. Sury, introduced me to Gelbart’s article, “An Elementary Introduction to the Langlands Program”. For the first time, I saw how all the subjects I had been learning—algebra, analysis, and geometry—came together in a grand, interconnected framework. It was intriguing!

My batchmates were preparing for Ph.D. studies in the U.S., and although I was initially hesitant, my advisor encouraged me to seriously consider it. Ultimately, I decided to apply to universities in the U.K. Fortunately, I secured Ph.D. positions with full scholarships and living expenses covered at two universities. I chose the University of Warwick, where I had the privilege of working with Prof. Samir Siksek.

Arriving in the U.K. felt like stepping completely outside my familiar well. In my first year, I lived in a university dormitory, sharing a flat with twelve other students from England, Wales, Ireland, Nigeria, Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan! I encountered languages I had never heard before, cuisines entirely unfamiliar to me, and a diversity of customs that broadened my perspective. Yet beyond these differences, we all shared a common pursuit of excellence and similar concerns. This period was the most enjoyable time of my life—everything was new, yet beautifully interconnected.

My Ph.D. journey took me across Europe, Canada, and the U.S. for workshops and conferences, where I engaged with new research, presented my work, and explored different cultures. This continued into my postdoctoral years, allowing me to foster deeper, long-lasting connections.

Mathematics became the bridge that connected me to this beautiful world. Through it, I forged friendships, found love, and experienced a truly enriching journey. The joy of learning and discovery transcends gender, race, language, and culture. For me, mathematics remains a universal language—one that continues in my current role in Japan. And my journey of exploration is far from over!

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＊The information in this article is as of the time it was written, and may have changed since.

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