Aspiring astrophysicist Indira Bulhan talks about how, with the help of the Academy, she was able to overcome gender stereotypes and others’ negative attitudes to win a scholarship to the University of Victoria in Canada.
“Things will be difficult. Will you be able to manage?” These were some of the things people told me before coming to the Academy. However, the warm and welcoming atmosphere immediately made me feel at home. Coming from a CBSE [Central Board of Secondary Education] school, it was difficult at first to get a hold of IB [International Baccalaureate], but with the help of the teachers and students, things became simple and enjoyable. Then came the most difficult part, the beginning of the movement to the next phase of life: applying to universities. Being from a lower middle class family, even the fees of Indian universities seemed very high to me. After constant discouragement from family members that I would face financial and academic problems, I had, to some extent, accepted the fact that I was not capable enough to apply to universities abroad. Only my parents supported me.
However, with a little hope left, I still wanted to apply and see what happens. After approaching my counsellor and with her help, I learnt about the application process of a few universities and decided to apply there. Taking her suggestion seriously, I decided to add my name for the nominations of the Aga Khan Academy Scholarship. I eagerly waited for the reply. After seeing the results and discovering that I was nominated for one, I felt one step closer to my dream.
Since I want to pursue astrophysics, I saw that I had more opportunities abroad at the undergraduate level. Astrophysics being considered a male dominated field, I remember my friends back home raising their brows and questioning, “Do you think that you would be able to do it?” I smiled and replied, “Things are not impossible. It is our thinking which makes them impossible.”
However, the nomination did not stop the negative remarks from people who were supporting me financially. With much struggle and resistance, I finally applied to two universities in Canada. My counsellor helped me with the process of application and all the documents required for it. In between, I remember multiple phone calls and conflicts, which used to break my heart every time. However, I had supportive teachers and caring friends who always motivated me and helped me to keep my hopes up. I remember reaching out to my friends at campus late at night and discussing my fears with them.
Finally the wait ended and I got the news that I had been offered the Aga Khan Academy Scholarship at the University of Victoria. I was overwhelmed with joy. I ran around the entire school, informing my friends and teachers. The reason I felt proud of myself, was because I was able to pierce the mist of discouragement which I had received all this time. The entire flow of events made me realise that sometimes there is strong resistance against what we want to do – it may stop us, it may break us, but we should never stop believing in ourselves.
By Indira Bulhan