Impressions of Past Pavate Fellows

"The biggest single advantage of being at Cambridge was the opportunity to use the University Library. It has one of the largest collections of manuscripts in the world".

- Arnab Goswami

"My experience at Cambridge as a Pavate Fellow has been academically enriching. It was a pleasure to use the well-stocked libraries and the other academic facilities available here. Being here as part of the University of Cambridge itself is a privileged experience. I must thank the Pavate Foundation and the Centre of International Studies for the time I could spend here”

-Manjari Katju

"For me, reaching Cambridge was stepping into a new world. The D.C.Pavate fellowship succoured me in traversing this important journey. I was awe-struck by the academic culture over there. Learning became the mainstay. Attending to scores of brainstorming lectures from erudite academicians of different faculties of Cambridge was a visionary exercise. It opened up numerous vistas of perception before me. The insight I gained by interacting with the faculty and scholars at Centre of Iternational Studies was equally productive."

                              -     Syeda Afshana

"Cambridge is a place for the elite. But the British society is such that merit does not go waste. It is an institute of excellence. Its architecture is of medieval times. Its traditions have been meticulously kept. Its library old in appearance is fully equipped with all modern gadgets and equipments. A student or a research scholar cannot find more congenial and conducive an atmosphere for silent and serious research. The entire air smells of serious studies."

- Tabassum Firdous

In awarding a visiting fellowship for research at the University of Cambridge, the Pavate Foundation provides a truly needed impetus to persons in mid career. For me, as indeed for most persons caught in the spiral of increasing responsibility, the opportunity served many needs simultaneously. A time to step out to study, the solitude and distance for reflection and the stimulation of persons engaged with similar concerns in different contexts.

-           Madhu Mehra

"The nerve centre for most interactions is the dining hall, where the scholar will be much rewarded by regular attendance at lunch in terms of interaction and company. However, a word of caution; Cambridge is bubbling with ideas and is fertile with opinions. One should be clear of one's intent and subject of research otherwise such interaction could hold promise for a complete re-orientation leading to a situation where one cannot do justice to what one went for and the time available makes it impossible to do justice to the new work. This rule applies to library use too."

- Dr. Ali Raza Moosvi

"I was lucky to interact with the illustrious academicians....Prof. Mayall introduced me to a vibrant academic community and provided with tips galore about the day-to-day life in Cambridge. I never felt that I am a stranger".

- Dr.Girish Kumar

Being used to the Indian way of life, going to Cambridge as a Pavate Fellow was a truly enriching experience; Cambridge is truly a 'Mecca' of learning- a blend of all that is traditional with all that is modem. The university library is the heart of Cambridge and a researcher like me is very fortunate to have been given an opportunity to work in the library. Regular seminars helped me and others to hear and interact with eminent men of letters and intellectuals and discuss issues related to various disciplines. These seminars and interactive sessions exposed me to new dimensions in research and teaching. Three ‘mantras', I felt, are necessary for a successful sojourn at Cambridge, (i) Making best use of its libraries (ii) Participating actively in sessions and seminars (iii) Never missing lunch and dinner sessions in the college not only because they seal lasting friendships but encourage camaraderie cutting across, creed, color and nationality.

Dr. Vishwanath M.