Dr Zareen Fatima
“Vignettes of success in academia” walks you through the entire life of a scientist from the very initial stage of her/his career. This book teaches the Do’s & Don’ts, the right & wrong and helps you take baby steps & set realistic goals in order to develop the overall personality of a researcher.
The author of this book has very well addressed the difficulties faced by the PhD and post doctorate students in India and have offered solutions for them to bring down their plight.
“Vignettes of success in academia” is inspiring and interesting to read. A bit of humour and the poetic references of Rabindranath Tagore and many other poets in this book have made it engaging and absorbing to read. The book has touched me immensely and will continue doing so to every other reader.
The authors, Biman Bagchi, in almost every chapter have covered his personal stories and experiences from his high school and undergraduate level in India until his post doctorate fellowship in the United States. These tales have further made this book an attractive read.
Biman Bagchi has drawn special attention to knowledge, skills and creative and independent thinking. He has highlighted how these together play an important role in a life of a scientist.
Furthermore, the author has emphasized in working for developing the art of reading, writing and an effective communication. These skills should be developed at an early stage of life of a student in schools. Unfortunately majority of the schools in India fail to do so, if not all.
This book is a must read for not just the doctorate students but the undergraduates should give it a try as well since it gives the reader a glimpse into the “world of academics and research”.
I have personally gained many useful insights and new ideas for my own work and renewed enthusiasm for a career in academics.
