Dr. Glenn C. Kharkongor
ON THE evening before All Saints’ Day in 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the door of a church in Wittenberg. In those days a thesis was simply a position one wanted to argue. Luther, an Augustinian friar, asserted that Christians could not buy their way to heaven. Today a doctoral thesis is both an idea and an account of a period of original research.
A PhD is perhaps the most important degree in the world. It is the most valuable asset that an aspiring academician can have. PhD research will help to improve your abilities to understand and solve problems, increase your confidence, make yourself a better communicator and gain skills that may lead to a better job, even in many fields apart from academics. It is a foundation that can lead to the publishing of papers, awarding of grants and other kinds of recognition by your peers. Importantly, it is a UGC requirement for teachers in universities to be promoted to associate professor.
The three PhDs that were awarded by MLCU at this year’s convocation were of very high standard, as evidenced from the comments of the examiners, all of whom were eminent academicians from other institutions. Each PhD was evaluated by at least three examiners. We are very pleased with the quality of the PhDs from MLCU, and the hard work that was put in by the candidates.
Most PhDs are economical to obtain. There is not much expenditure involved, and research fellowships and grants are available. Commitment, time and hard work are the main investments, and if you are willing to undergo the stress and effort involved, you will be well rewarded.
Working on a PhD is an indication that you are taking ownership of your professional life and taking responsibility for the development of your academic career. It is more important for you than for the institution you work for. MLCU may not be the purpose or even the passion of our lives, it is merely a vehicle in which we travel on one part of our life’s journey. What is most important, as Maslow has pointed out is self-fulfillment. That is the most worthy goal of all.
