Let me share my journey from a kid who thought shadows on the moon are reflection of earth's continents (I tried mapping them to test my theory lol) to becoming a physicist...
Growing up in Tamil Nadu, South India, I was that quiet kid who would spend hours doing through my father's physics textbooks and computer manuals. I loved tinkering with electronics, building fun things and writing simple programs. Sometimes they worked, sometimes they didn't work, but each failure taught me something valuable. Those early experiments, though often messy, sparked a curiosity that still drives me today.
High school was a time of self-discovery and exploration for me and it went by pretty quickly. While I remained introverted at heart, I gradually pushed myself to try new things and step outside my comfort zone. My fascination with physics was growing stronger, but like many teenagers, I wasn't entirely sure about my future path. I spent those years bonding with friends, pursuing various interests, and slowly beginning to understand what truly excited me. Looking back, this period of uncertainty and exploration was crucial in shaping who I would become.
IISER transformed me from an irresponsible kid to a somewhat mature adult (don't worry, my playful side is still alive and kicking). It was here that I truly opened my eyes to the real world of scientific research. I learned that being a physicist isn't just about solving equations - it's about asking the right questions and having the persistence to find answers. I'm grateful to my supervisors whose guidance during this time shaped my perspective on what it means to be a researcher.
Now, as a theoretical particle physicist, I find myself at an exciting intersection of physics, deep learning, and scientific computing. I'm working on problems that would have seemed like science fiction to my younger self. Whether I'm developing numerical computing libraries or exploring particle physics theories, each day brings new challenges and discoveries. The curious child in me is still very much alive, now equipped with the tools to explore anything. Coming to Japan has been one of the truly life-changing events in my life. I am grateful to the people I've met here, the experiences I've had, and the lessons and skills I've learned. I try my best to enjoy the journey and not just focus on the destination and explore as much as I can.