Divya Prakash G, a Ph.D scholar at the Indian Institute of Science, comes across as a regular Bangalorean, until you speak to him about his area of interest. What reflects from his talk is not the average Bangalorean, but a brilliant personality who has enriched himself with top end research.

Divya works in the area of biological effects and applications of shock waves & nanomedicine. He has already worked with senior scientists and was involved in some exciting research that made it to newspapers everywhere. His team has developed a pen-shaped device that will help doctors administer drugs, especially vaccines, in a painless and more efficient manner.

According to Divya, he chose IISc because it is one of the top most institutes in the country which has the most advanced facilities to carry out cutting edge research which is on par with international standards.

About applying for his Ph.D, he says, “I like research and want to continue in it and get a world wide exposure. There are several steps involved before original research reaches the common man and it is mandatory for safety purposes,” he says.

But yes, he has concerns for others who are not as lucky as him. “There is need for more awareness about research and research institutes, especially in rural areas of the country. When better minds come to research, we can reach goals in all fields, from medicine to nuclear power. Many more brilliant minds might show interest in research if they are provided with sufficient scholarship as right now, the scholarship amount for Ph.D scholars is quite low,” he says.

And for this scholar, Bangalore has given him a warm reception. “The main attraction is its weather. I And I had no difficulties in communicating since people speak Hindi, Tamil, Telugu as well as English,” says Divya.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Papiya Bhattacharya / ENS – Bangalore / July 23rd, 2013