I left my hometown, Bhusaval, ten years, four months and 20 days ago. And it has been a very long, tortuous journey since then. Not to mention full of adventure and making good friends throughout. My first stop after venturing out of my hometown was my alma mater, Garware College's hostel. Like everyone else I was confused about what to do in my life. I was restless, rather I would say that was the beginning of the state of restlessness for next ten years or so. At first, the restlessness arose because I did not know what to do with my life. The first year and first semester proved to be highly unproductive and which set the trend for all the first academic semester thereon, be it masters orPh.D. It took me while to figure out which branch of science I like the most. I always had an inclination towards Physics, since high school, but I never thought about pursuing it as a career. Besides, during this uncertain times, I met and attended seminars of people from various background. One day I would be passionate about life science, the other day I would be passionate about politics and dream about leading a revolution in my country. With such a broad spectrum to choose from, I felt like leaving it up to destiny or whatever to figure out itself for me. My interaction with undergraduate Physics professor left a lasting impression on my mind about physics in particular and science in general. I started applying for the summer internship on his encouragement and while applying for an internship, I came across a very exciting field of Nanoscience. That is it! I decided this is what I want to do for rest of my life. This is the "thing" I was looking for. But to pursue Nanoscience, I need to pursue a graduate course from one of the most expensive colleges. So to do that, I had to earn and save some money to kick start my graduate degree. Working at fortune 500 company was an amazing experience. But again I was always restless. I knew this is not what I was going to do for rest of my life. I had a great time there, but at the back of my mind, I used to always think about what next? And how? Once I started my graduate studies, I grew restless about getting hands on experience and I started looking for summer and winter internship. Once, I started "doing" science I realized, this is the "thing" I needed. But even that did quench the restlessness in me. During my research project, I realized it is not enough. I need to do more. Maybe pursue Ph.D. And then began another phase of restlessness in my life. What should be my area of research? Where should I pursue it? How to initiate the process? U.S.A That is it. That is the "thing". But to go there I had to earn some money again. But, luckily this time I got work at I.I.T and in the field that was not related to my interest, but it was Physics, which was great. I had a great time in Delhi, met amazing people, had an opportunity to hear great personalities give a talk. But, even during these great moments, I was restless, because I knew this is just a transit, not the destination. I finally got acceptance and arrived at the U.S.A. What now? I have been restless for so long, that it became my nature. It took me some time to realize, that I don't need to be restless. I am in a place and position to do research peacefully. Fulfill the objective of my research, But, at the same time I also realized, this restlessness is what drove me so far. It made me go from one place to another. The more I ventured out, more I came to know about myself. Now without the restlessness, I feel empty and aimless. Restlessness is the "thing" that is missing. I am looking for the "thing" that stays with me. That, no matter what happens, gives solace to me. It should remain in one corner, unperturbed. The anchor. What is that thing? Glory? Achievement? Person? Position? Content? AAAARRRGGGHH! Am I just getting restless again to find that "Thing"
