We often say that if we had a certain thing in life, the outcome would have been different. Like if one studied, he may have secured good grades. If he had better resources, he might have excelled. That’s the difference between ordinary and genius people.
This is the story of one such person cum scientist. He proved that resources and things could never stop a person from achieving. Let’s hear the story of Dr. Baljeet Singh Gill. People who want to succeed will never use an excuse for a way out. Genius people prove themselves even in the least available resources.
Dr. Baljeet Singh Gill – My Story
I’m Dr. Baljeet Singh Gill. I’m a scientist and teacher. I did little in my childhood except study. When I recall my childhood, I can only see a simple kid focussed on his studies. I started my early education at a government school. People would think what a government school kid would do, but it never stopped me. Later, I went to study for a Bachelor of Science in the year 1990. As a kid planning his career, I did not know what to do and how to do it.
I come from an educated family. They never restricted me from studying. But the problem was I didn’t know how to properly use the education. There was no one to guide me. I just kept on studying, and somehow I figured out everything by myself.
After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I understood I was interested in Applied Mathematics. So, in 1992, I did my Masters of Science degree in Mathematics. A year after that, I also finished my Mphil in Mathematics. By 1994, I cleared NET for Lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship from CSIR-UGC New Delhi.
I then applied for a Ph.D. degree from Kurukshetra University. My subject for my Ph.D. degree was Applied Mathematics, while my thesis was on the topic “Wave Propagation”. It is a particular area of applied mathematics that deals with earthquakes and waves’ mechanics. That is my niche.
Meanwhile, I also had time to publish my papers. I moved on to do my Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Application in 2001. In the same year, I was awarded the Indian National Science Academy Medal for Young Scientists in Mathematics. Then I worked as a lecturer at All India Jat Heroes Memorial College, Rohtak. That was the start of my career in the teaching line.
I had the chance to visit some of the reputed colleges of the world under the exchange program of the Indian National Science Academy and Royal Society, United Kingdom. I was lucky to collaborate with the other scientists of the world.
The system of the other countries is different. Once you get the chance to visit, you see India lacks. Our scientists and researchers are unaware of many resources that the outside world uses daily. Apart from it, half of the resources don’t reach us because of external factors, mindset, and corruption.
The education system is another feature of our society that needs to be changed. Our education is based on theory more and less on practical. Our bachelor’s and sometimes master’s degree level education covers theories only. If people don’t have the practical knowledge, then how could one expect them to prove their mark in this competitive world?
Until and unless we change things at the grassroots level, things won’t change for the country. Many people travel abroad because of these factors, and it’s not unknown how Indians have proved themselves worldwide. We just need the right resources and the correct education.
In 2005, I worked on an Indian government project named – INSA Young Scientist Project. In 2009, a year after completing the research project, the Indian government awarded me the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award. I started my job as an Assistant Professor at PGGC11 Chandigarh in Oct 2002 and later I was promoted to the position of Associate Professor in October 2014.
In 2015, I worked on a UGC Major Research Project on Wave Propagation in Poro-thermo-elasticity. My work papers have been used in many experimental projects. I was also on editorial boards of journals and I’ve reviewed various international and national research papers.
This was the research and editorial part of my life. As an academic, the government invited me to a board of scientists and researchers. We were asked for suggestions and changes possible in the current education and research system.
I currently work at the same PG college and had three branches, including the Mathematics department. I also guide students independently, other than college. Because these students need proper guidance and I don’t want anyone to feel as devoid as once I did at the start of my career. Nine students have completed their Ph.D. degrees under me, and three are on their way.
It’s been over 24 years for me in the teaching line. The teaching experience has been intriguing because I learn something new every day, which I have always enjoyed as a scholar. One of many things I learned in life is never to give up on anything.
Today, I rank under the top 2 percent of scientists worldwide, which would have never been possible if I gave up because of the situation. People used to point at me when I wrote my papers on trains. But once you set your mind on a thing, the resources will never create a hurdle and you will achieve the unachievable.
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