Jhansi Rani N, a former Young Instructor Leader (YIL), is a 26-year-old who was recently named an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University in Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh. Her incredible accomplishments came from humble beginnings; her father is a farmer, and her mother is an anganwadi teacher. She has a younger brother who is studying for his M. Sc. in Hotel Management.
Her exposure to Agastya began when she was in the fifth standard, when a Mobile Science Lab (MSL) came to her school. As she had previously seen only pictures in books, the practical experiments and demonstrations attracted young Rani. This experience sparked her curiosity for science — especially botany and anatomy — and, in the long run, inspired her to pursue research in the subject. Throughout her academic career, Agastya scholarships have supported her higher studies, sustaining her interest and passion for research.
Walking with Science
Life changed for Rani in the sixth standard at ZPHS in Gutharlapalli, when she visited Agastya’s Campus Creativity Lab. In the labs, she was able to see life in all its colourful splendour.
“Science is omnipresent,” she said, recalling her first impression of the campus. “My first visit to campus felt like walking alongside science. The campus flora and fauna enthralled me.”
Her first visit to campus marked the beginning of Rani’s passion for nature and science. Over subsequent years, she returned several more times. She always enjoyed her visits to the Campus Creativity Lab and remembered them fondly and enthusiastically. Every visit, she recalled, she learned something new.
“New knowledge about science and experiential learning is waiting to be added to my treasury of facts and figures,” she said.
Eventually, she was chosen to be a Young Instructor Leader, entering a program in which talented, curious students with mentorship potential are selected for peer-to-peer teaching. During her two years as a YIL, she taught students who visited campus during the summer camps. Agastya instructors also encouraged her to participate in the Intel IRIS National Science Fair, representing Agastya on a national podium at Kolkata.
Along with her friend Roja, she accepted the opportunity, demonstrating “The Cooling Effect of Leaves”. Throughout the process, Agastya instructors unwaveringly supported the pair, meeting with them to help them make their idea better and more meaningful. One of her school teachers also played a major role in making sure that they could attend the science fair without any glitches. The effort and dedication paid off, as they earned an honorable mention designation.
“We did not win first prize, but the jury rewarded our efforts!” she said. “They selected our work out of five projects for a special award.”
To Rani, the IRIS National Science Fair was a truly transformative experience. Her achievement made the local newspaper, and a few of the local leaders congratulated the pair as well. Plus, in addition to helping her make a name for herself, the fair increased her confidence.
“As a YIL, I learnt how to talk to others, and this built my confidence,” she said. “My experience in the National Science Fair motivated me to study more and be at par with students from urban backgrounds. During the Alumni meets, I met so many students and people from different backgrounds and heard their stories, which inspired me to continue my studies.”
She also benefited from the peer-to-peer teaching aspect of the YIL program, which she claims made her life fruitful.
“I was playing a part in making creators, thinkers, and innovators by sparking curiosity in each of my friends in my neighbourhood,” she recalled.
She also applauded Agastya’s experiential learning methodology as a whole, emphasising the importance of pictorial representation and experimentation to improve understanding and retention, as well as enhancing academic performances. Even today, she remembers many of the experiments she performed in Agastya’s labs.
Still, none of her achievements would have been possible without Agastya instructors’ care. Her instructors, she recalled, always encouraged her to ask questions freely and without hesitation, and they would not get impatient even if she repeated them many times. This experience instilled in her an urge to learn more, which inspired her to pursue a doctorate in Plant Pathology. Eventually, after completing her studies at the College of Horticulture in Bengaluru, this led to her impressive current position.
“Without Agastya, I would have concluded my education with a bachelor’s degree in science and would not have learnt to communicate as I am doing now,” she said. “My experience in Agastya continues to give me the courage to do what I can do. It changed how I look at myself. Agastya taught me that I have talent and I can improve myself.”
youtube link
Rani observed that the opportunities and the motivation she gained from Agastya helped her pursue her dreams with confidence. They also created a desire to help build a better future for the vulnerable in society.
“Even though I cannot measure my achievements, I feel like the richest amongst the rich,” she said. “The confidence and the unwavering backing helped me to be an achiever.”
