Gandhinagar: As the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) prepares to host its 14th convocation on June 21, 2025, one story among its many graduating scholars stands out for its perseverance, passion, and purpose. Haritha D, who recently completed her PhD in Chemistry at IITGN, exemplifies the resilience and drive that define the institute’s academic ethos.

Hailing from Kerala, Haritha's academic journey was grounded in a childhood fascination with the mysteries of biology and chemistry. She pursued her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Chemistry at Mahatma Gandhi University and CUSAT, respectively, before joining IITGN in 2019 to embark on a dream she had nurtured since high school—combining chemistry and biology to develop solutions to combat infectious diseases.

Haritha’s doctoral research focused on designing novel therapeutic strategies for multidrug-resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Helicobacter pylori. Her work, positioned at the intersection of chemical biology and structural biology, involved the design and synthesis of small-molecule inhibitors, protein crystallography, and advanced molecular techniques. Her research resulted in eight publications and co-inventorship in three Indian patents, contributing to the development of next-generation antimicrobial strategies.

But the path to success wasn’t easy. “Before joining IITGN, I had to spend over a year preparing for entrance exams and applying to institutes across the country. There were moments of doubt, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, when I was away from the lab and the future seemed uncertain,” Haritha recalls. “What helped me through was open communication with my supervisors, support from friends, and staying grounded in hobbies like singing, cooking, and dancing.”

Despite working in a field traditionally dominated by men, Haritha never felt constrained by gender barriers. “IITGN offers a culture that values skill and passion over gender. I’ve always felt encouraged and supported—by both male and female mentors,” she says.

In addition to her research, Haritha was actively involved in teaching, mentoring students, and organising workshops and seminars—experiences she credits for shaping her into a confident academic and mentor.

Now, Dr Haritha D embarks on the next chapter of her journey as a postdoctoral researcher at Uppsala University, Sweden, backed by the prestigious Wenner-Gren Foundation Fellowship. At Uppsala, she is specialising in cryogenic electron microscopy to study bacteria-bacteriophage interactions—an area with immense implications for future therapeutics.

To aspiring scientists, especially young women, she offers a message of encouragement: “Don’t let societal norms limit your ambition. If you stay focused and supported, your dreams are worth every effort.”

Dr Haritha’s story is not just one of academic success—it is a testament to the transformative power of determination, mentorship, and inclusive education. Her journey from Kerala to Gandhinagar and now to Sweden mirrors the very vision of IITGN: empowering individuals to impact the world through science and innovation.

 

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