हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें
History is a subject which gives you the freedom to do many things like you can also become a researcher…
Aparna Vaidik- Professor of History, Ashoka University
QUICK INTRO:
Birthplace: Indore.
Education: Schooling from Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Graduation from St. Stephens, Masters from Cambridge University, PhD from JNU
Profession: Professor, Ashoka University.
Aparna is a professor, researcher, and author of vedic history. Through her articles, books, and teaching, she has brought to light aspects of vibrant history. Today, Grihshobha brings some advice and guidance for college-bound students through her interview:
What has your educational journey been like, and how did you decide on a career in history?
At that time, my father sent me to Sardar Patel School, an elite school at the time, where nursery school was in Hindi medium. I wanted to pursue political science for graduation, but St. Stephen’s College only offered history, so I chose history. After that, I earned a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from JNU, Delhi.
I didn’t plan to take history. But as I continued to study, I became increasingly interested in it. I realized that history is a master discipline, and now I am a history writer.
I’m a professor and researcher. But when I think back, I never imagined I’d become a writer. I realized I could write like a writer much later, because I’d always seen myself as a professor and researcher.
History is diverse. Each history has its own story, its own background, and its own values. Each is distinct, and therefore, it’s a joy to read. One thing they all have in common is that while their histories are different, the human spirit of survival is the same, even if the ways of life differ. This inspires us to remain united in the diversity of history.
How has your career journey been and do you enjoy this profession?
I don’t remember the past. I didn’t enjoy teaching that much. I remember teaching at Aurobindo College and seeing students failing, I realized my teaching wasn’t right. So I improved myself so that students would understand what I taught.
Later, I also met Hindi-medium students. After giving my entire lecture in English, I would repeat it for them in Hindi. So, I gradually learned teaching through teaching, and today I’m doing very well. Through digital connections, teachers and students are connected 24 hours a day. Notes and doubts are shared timely.
What advice would you like to give to students on their career choices, especially those who want to pursue history?
First of all, any student should take the subject in which he is interested because
Studying without interest and working without passion becomes a burden, preventing you from realizing your true potential. Today, there’s no subject or stream that doesn’t offer significant scope.
If you’re choosing history, it should be your own choice. It’s not a given that you’ll get a high-paying job just by earning a degree. Success isn’t achieved simply by studying this subject, but by understanding the depth of history. Those who believe history is limited to history are mistaken, as it encompasses data collection, management, research, and much more, from the past to the present. There’s a lot of scope in this field as well.
If you pursue an MBA after a History degree, your options expand significantly. Taking additional subjects alongside History can also help you excel in research fields, such as History of Medicine or History of Engineering. You can also prepare for the IAS or other competitive jobs.
How big a role does a college play in a student’s career?
First, the cutoff list is so tight today that it’s very difficult for students to find their preferred college. In such a situation, any college they find is a good one. Simply enroll and study. Second, if students have the option to choose a college, they should choose one based on their subject.
Keep some things in mind like if your interest or goal is sports then see whether that college has better sports items or not, good ground, good coaches or not.
Those interested in science or any academic subject should consider the labs, whether the library has proper books, whether there are professors for your chosen subject, and whether classes are held on time. I remember some of my friends who were studying science in college, and when they would go to the science lab, where experiments would be conducted by a lab assistant.
Because there were so many kids, not everyone could do it. You were just standing there watching. So, in a way, you learned how to do science; you saw it.
I know no one cares that much. But if you have the option, you might want to consider it. Getting admission into a regular college is incredibly difficult these days. So, take admission in whatever college you can find and study hard, because studying opens doors for the future. Also, enjoy college life to the fullest.
Going back in time, what would you like to say to yourself and to a 17-year-old student of today who is currently confused about career choices?
Look, those days were different. Things could be done without knowing anything. I remember going out and reading books. Life was good, I didn’t worry. But today’s times are different. I’m in a state of panic. What will happen to me? What will I do? Parents keep nagging me, asking what will happen? What will I do? This is what life has become for students.
So, I would say, don’t let career worries distract you from your studies. Many students, due to career pressure, study things they don’t like, and even when they do, their entire focus is on career concerns. So, during this time, focus solely on studying, studying what you enjoy.
If you study, the path will automatically be created because education is the stepping stone to your destination. Move forward step by step. During your studies, focus only on your studies, not your career, or you’ll develop a learning gap.
CAREER TIPS:
- Your success in teaching career is measured by the success of your students.
- Choose the subject which you enjoy studying.
- Do not choose History subject thinking that you will get a high salary job.
– Rajni Prasad