Statement Of Purpose

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 in ANNA UNIVERSITY which has less than 1% acceptance rate. 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.