STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

All I can remember about my childhood days was that I was always curious
and experimental. I usually dismantle all the toys within one week of purchase
and try to understand how they function. I have always been driven by an urge
to know the how and why of things, often letting curiosity get the better of
me. My father is a scientist in Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and
he encouraged me and helped me understand science better. At about 12
years, my dad introduced me the field of electronics and I was fascinated by
radio frequency transmitters and I designed a number of circuits on my own.
My interest in biology began when I learnt about plant hormones. I bought
these chemicals and I started experimenting with plants. Every year during the
Science Fair held in school, I made innovative models and I had received
compliments from my teachers and friends.

I completed my Higher Secondary Education with 99.5% in Chemistry and

98.5% in Biology. Then I took up my undergraduate study in the field of
Industrial Biotechnology. I have benefitted from the breadth of the University’s
syllabi content that has given me comprehensive exposure to the core areas of
biology and endowed a strong conceptual understanding of the field. Various
courses like Biochemistry, Cell biology, Genetic Engineering, Molecular biology,
Plant biotechnology, Immunology, Bio-organic Chemistry, Bioinformatics,
Bioprocess Engineering, Neurobiology, Genomics and Proteomics,
Microbiology and Protein Engineering have provided me a robust footing in the
theoretical concepts of biological sciences.

I have been working during the semester holidays on MICROBIAL FUEL CELL
and BIOHYDROGEN PRODUCTION under the guidance of our Organic Chemistry
Professor Dr. P. Gautam, during which we isolated halophilic strains and
studied their efficiency with regard to electricity generation and hydrogen
production from waste water. I have attended a course on Nanotechnology
conducted by Nanotechnology Sensitization Programme, Delhi and I have
submitted an article on “NANOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE”. I have also
submitted a paper on “EFFECTS OF LOW ELECTRIC CURRENT ON MICROBES” in
M.G.R University, Chennai. My final year project is on “THERAPEUTIC
VACCINES “under the guidance of Dr. V. Murugan.
 Wars have been fought between the world of microorganisms and Molecular
biologists. Many dreadful diseases which appeared to be invincible have now
been conquered and wiped clean from the book of mankind. But still there are
certain diseases which still threaten the welfare of mankind. Diseases like AIDS
and Cancer kill millions every year. Patients miserably count their end of days
with dismay without a single spark of hope. Apart from the pain and physical
strains induced by the disease, the mental agony that no cure is available till
date hurts them the most.

I am interested in the areas of Drug discovery and Cancer research and I

believe that someday I would have this disease eradicated from the face of
earth. I know that the scenario is not that simple as it appears. There are large
numbers of variables in interconnected pathways and I believe that the days I
spend in your institution will help me in better understanding of these complex
pathways involved and provide me with sufficient knowledge to guide me
during the pursuit. I look forward to graduate study as a means to refine my
knowledge and skills and I believe that it would steer me to my goal, as a
research professional.

Biological Sciences is in its nascent stage in India and is growing, however it

is not the scenario worldwide. There are not many opportunities for me here
in India, hence I would like to complete my doctoral program and then do a
post-doctoral fellowship and pursue in the field of Research and Development.
The journey ahead promises to be a challenging one, it may no doubt be
arduous and demanding at times. But then the thrill one gets when one
discovers something new at the frontiers of human knowledge however small
the contribution may be is unparalleled.

My only ambition in life is to leave the world in a better and advanced form
and make a mark in history for myself. I humbly request you to provide me the
opportunity to realise my goal.