The question of why

There were two important beliefs that got me so far:

1. "Be the change you want to see in the world" - Gandhi. In my words, be an example of what you want to see more of in the world. In my personal context, demonstrating that women can do the same things as men, which will mostly be intellectual labor for my field, was of personal significance. Capability to pursue and even excel at higher education is a simple demonstration I could put up for women of future generations in India. I know how inspired I was with Kalpana Chawla and Arundhati Roy. I know it makes a difference to see someone else doing something you have always wanted to do and feel empowered.

2. There is only one way to repay any country whose tax-payers have paid for your education - revenue generation. You need to bring them money. India needs a manufacturing sector - given the population and the economy. It is the only way to increase the employment and the standard of living of the people.