academic’s Years-Long Pursuit Culminates in Dual Faculty Offers Amidst Personal Milestones
new Delhi, India – A researcher’s dedication to her academic aspirations, interwoven with the challenges and joys of motherhood, has resulted in a remarkable career breakthrough. Anu Dalal, PhD, AMRSC, recently received two permanent faculty offers – from Hindu college and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) – following years of persistent effort and navigating significant life events.
The offers arrived in close succession, a culmination of dedication that began to unfold on October 8th, when Dalal met with two close friends. While one friend prepared to begin a postdoctoral position at Stanford University, Dalal and the other friend reflected on career stagnation despite sustained hard work.
Earlier that year, in April, Dalal faced a scheduling conflict: her doctor advised a check-in on April 2nd if natural labor hadn’t begun, coinciding with her Stage 1 interview for a position at Hindu College scheduled for April 3rd. Despite family concerns about balancing work and impending motherhood, Dalal proceeded with the interview, completing both written and presentation rounds by 4:30 pm. The following day,she gave birth to her child.
Months later, after beginning work at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with support from Dr. sanghamitra, Dalal learned a second round of interviews would be held at Hindu College. She dedicated herself to planning, studying at the library with her six-month-old baby, supported by family and friends.
This dedication paid off with an offer from Hindu College. Shortly after, an offer also arrived from NFSU, for a position she had interviewed for months prior.
“What do I feel today? Gratitude. Deep, humbling gratitude,” Dalal shared.”Life taught me something I’ll never forget: if you truly dream of something, don’t give up when it doesn’t happen right away. Keep showing up, keep trying.Even if it takes years! One day, things will align. The dots will connect. And you’ll realize, your consistency was never ignored; it was just being tested.”
Dalal, who previously attended Hansraj College as an undergraduate, views this achievement as a testament to perseverance and the possibility of harmonizing personal and professional ambitions. She encourages others to “Keep believing. Keep moving. Your time will come, beautifully, unexpectedly, and all at once.”
