“The culture of accepting everybody is the defining factor. My life in Leiden was the real turning point of my carrier.”

Nagpur, India

2002-2007: PhD in Biophysical Bioorganic Chemistry (SSNMR)

Why I chose Leiden University?

My childhood quest to see molecule in reality and explore their applications in various filed, has actually brought me to the science field. After synthesising and seeing them in solution and solid form, I wanted to see them in real situation. That took me to the computer field to get an idea of their look and at least see them in artificial environment.
However this does not fulfil my quest to see the molecule in reality. During exploration on the web and talking with eminent scientists I came to know about Leiden University where the group of scientists were working with Solid State NMR (SSNMR) to see the molecule in reality and explore the possibilities. This hi tech research attracted me to apply for Leiden University.

After coming to Leiden University for an interview, I saw the excellent facilities which Leiden university has. Moreover Leiden University has very good cooperative and open people who were doing research. To top it up, the beautiful city of Leiden and its culture made me fall in love with it. 

After studying here for four & half years and after that travelling all over the world, visiting different universities & institutions, I am glad that I chose Leiden University. Because I found it best in the world in terms of all the aspects. 

My Leiden experiences

The greatest city to live in the world. It has everything, beautiful streets, excellent market, very good food (stamppot is my favourite), nice cycling lanes, mesmerising canals.

Leiden city location is unique, its middle of everything Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague, the Katwijk dunes, Keukenhof and beaches. The city is full of fun and has the unique taste of celebrating festivals like 3 October, the Queen’s day, Sinterklas. The long nights at different student pubs like Einstein Pub or wondering in snowy Leiden gives you the Hollywood movies like feelings. The bike rides in and around Leiden is still best in the world. You get your mind refreshed. The international market and international food in Leiden is the best you can get. 

My wish: I loved Leiden so much that one day I want come back to Leiden and live my retirement life here. 
 

What I’m doing now

I am an entrepreneur now. I have two companies of my own, first in Nagpur and second one in Pune. My first company, Ira Agrotech deals in manufacturing of Plasticulture (all the plastic material used in Agriculture) products since 2010. My second company, Greenvention Biotech deals in R&D based as well as does manufacturing of Bio-pesticide and Bio-Fertilisers. 
Beside this I am also a free lance consultant for Lean Farm Management, New Company establishment as well as new product development. I also give series of lectures on various topics at
academic as well as private institutes. This helps me keep my knowledge up to date.
 

My reasons for becoming a Leiden University Ambassador

I think Alumni are the perfect brand ambassador of the University in their respective countries.
By becoming Leiden University Ambassador, I can tell local students here in India about the great studies which can be done at Leiden University as well as the excellent student city culture. This will help them to come to Leiden and get the similar experience which I had during my time.