I have persevered despite my challenges and setbacks

Story of Role Model Dr Vakula Rani J

By the time I finished my PG, I got married too. From Vijayawada, I moved to Bangalore.

I joined Garden City College and threw myself into teaching and more. I coordinated our NAAC accreditation effort in 2003. 

I learned to juggle several balls at the same time and still find time for what matters.

I got promoted to HOD. My daughter - Aishwarya - also arrived.

My husband is in an IT job and twice we went and stayed abroad - once in Finland and then in the US. 

After 2 years in the US, I came back to India through settling there was also an option. 

We wanted Aishwarya to be rooted in the Indian ethos. Then with the wings of capability, she could fly to where her destiny lay.

I moved to CMRIMS as the HOD of the MCA department. 

I taught with full energy, wanting to inspire my students to also put 100% into whatever they took up. Initiatives and Industry Collaborations also happened.

I had set aside my desire to study more because of family practicalities. 'No more', I decided, in 2009.

Come 2010, I registered for my Ph D.

Then .. I was struck down with an illness. It was a shock to all of us.

My daughter's 10th board was around the corner. Her stress-induced asthma was probably a bigger concern to me than my own condition. 

Mother heard my fervent prayers as we tided over this setback, over the course of the year.

By 2011, I was back at my job and played an active role in CMRIT's 2012 NAAC accreditation.

My illness was gone but my Ph.D. was in the doldrums. 

Rayalaseema University got a stay from the courts. No progress is possible, till this is lifted. 

I focussed on getting my coursework done. Every day, I would pray to Mother.

When the stay lifted, I quickly put out my draft thesis. It was Feb 2017. 

Alas, my guide passed away just before my submission. 

I found another guide. Submitted my thesis the same year, and I finally had the Ph.D. in my pocket.

I made a career change to CMRIT as a Professor.

My HOD encouraged me to lead innovations in our department. In addition to teaching, I set about in this direction.

Today, I am an advanced level Innovation Ambassador (IA), certified from MoE, Govt. of India.

I have filed 6 patents since then. One of the innovation patents got selected for Kapila funding from AICTE.

I have persevered in spite the setbacks and challenges life had for me.