Odia Girl Only Indian Candidate To Pursue PhD In Oxford University This Fall

Balangir: It is a dream come true for Sheetal Jain from Bongomunda of Odisha’s Bolangir district. She has been selected to pursue PhD (full-time) at the prestigious Oxford University in England.

Sheetal will be the only Indian candidate among other candidates selected for this course in the Department of History. She is all set to begin her studies at the varsity from October 12, 2020.

“I am the only Indian among 54 aspirants chosen from across the globe in the DPhil (PhD) programme of the university and I am grateful that I bagged it,” said Sheetal.

“My father is my inspiration. He has always supported me in my studies. He is not strict but disciplined. I thank my parents, guide, and supervisor of my university who helped me achieve the feat,” she said.

Sheetal is an alumnus of Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi. After completing her Master’s from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), she is currently pursuing her MPhil with the same varsity in Delhi.

“I started applying for Oxford University in September last year and the result came in August. I had submitted my research paper, CV, and reference from academic professionals,” she added.

Sheetal says after completing her studies in Oxford, she will work for women empowerment and has expressed willingness to donate her salary for the education of women.

“She used to study for around ten hours a day. Sheetal has made Bongamunda proud and I wish she completes her study well,” said Sheetal’s mother, Kantadevi Jain.

Sheetal’s father, Jayprakash Jain is delighted with her achievement. “She is an honest girl and I am confident, she will work for the development of Bongamunda as well as the country.”