Columns Journey of a YI

Rural roots to scientific success in Indian academia

Shankramma Kalikeri

Shankramma K is an Assistant Professor at the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Mysuru. In this first article of the Journey Of Young Investigator (JOYI) 2025 series, she shares her journey of overcoming adversity, pursuing higher education against all odds, and using her expertise in nanotechnology to make a meaningful impact on rural communities through science and innovation.

JOYI 2025 Shankramma K title image
Journey Of Young Investigator (JOYI) 2025. Photo Credit: Shankramma K.

I grew up in a small, backward and remote village in the state of Karnataka, where the problems of everyday life often lay under the cloak of lush greenery. Scarcity of drinking water, persistent agricultural challenges, and limited access to education painted the backdrop of my childhood. However, those adversities ignited a dream as vast as the open sky. I wanted to find solutions for my community and make a meaningful impact through education and science.

My dream was to be a medical doctor but life had other plans for me. That unfulfilled aspiration evolved into a fervent desire to earn a doctorate, and I began my journey with humble yet determined steps.

The early years

Home was the first school, where my father, Sri Channabasappa K, laid the foundations of my education and taught me the art of hard work and resilience. Given the lack of formal teachers in the village, my mother refined my vocabulary and kindled my passion for Kannada literature. Her encouragement shaped my academic path, and I moved to my grandmother’s house to attend high school. 

While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology (CBZ), I balanced academics with athletics, volunteering and Kannada literature, which honed my leadership and resilience.

When I received multiple offers for a master’s programme, I made a bold decision: to take up Biotechnology at Kuvempu University. I was the only student from a CBZ background in a class of 43 Biotechnology graduates. Initially, I was overwhelmed by unfamiliar terminology and concepts, but I did not give up. I not only mastered the subject but graduated with distinction.

This phase was a turning point in my life. I got admission to M.Tech in Nanoscience and Technology course at Kuvempu University with a Department of Science and Technology fellowship. I also bought my first Dell laptop -a prized possession that symbolised my progress. With mentors like Shivanna M, Kuvempu University, and Manjanna J, Rani Channamma University, I discovered my passion for utilising nanotechnology for agriculture. These mentors believed in my potential and nurtured my aspirations. My hard work was recognised with a Woman Scientist Award at a state-level conference organised by Swadeshi Vijnana Andolana. 

Vision takes shape

Despite societal pressures from my paternal family to prioritise marriage over higher studies, I stood firm. My parents, sister, and brother, supported me in my decision to choose research. A brief stint as a guest lecturer in the Biotechnology department at Kuvempu University solidified my resolve to pursue a PhD.

At the urging of my best friend, I applied for a PhD at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal. Clearing the entrance exam and interview round felt like an out-of-the-world experience. I was admitted to the PhD course with a MHRD fellowship and began my research journey under the guidance of Vidya Shetty K, a recipient of the Satish Dhawan Award. This also marked a milestone as I was the first woman from my village to join NITK.

My research was inspired by the struggles that I saw personally in my village, especially the lack of clean drinking water. I developed heterostructured nanocomposites for wastewater treatment. 

The road to excellence

The road was not easy. Long hours in the laboratory, family responsibilities, and societal expectations tested me time and again. Against all odds, I excelled. My dedication bore fruit as I published high-impact research papers, filed patents, and commercialised groundbreaking technologies.

Throughout this journey, my husband, Charan Kumar K, who is also my best friend since BSc days, stood by me at every step. His belief in me strengthened my resolve to overcome hurdles and seize opportunities.

Our research team at National Institute of Technology Karnataka (Left to right): Deekshita Kulal, Amrutha Shet, Shankramma K, Vidya Shetty K, Minimal, Sopiya, Sreeja, Priyanka and Manjula P. Photo credit: Tritila S
Our research team at National Institute of Technology Karnataka (Left to right): Deekshita Kulal, Amrutha Shet, Shankramma K, Vidya Shetty K, Minimal, Sopiya, Sreeja, Priyanka and Manjula P. Photo credit: Tritila S

Currently, I am working as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nanoscience & Technology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru. I am guiding four PhD scholars and many postgraduate students. My novel work in nanotechnology to restore the environment and facilitate sustainable agriculture is aiding rural communities, such as the one I spent my childhood in.

A legacy of gratitude and inspiration

I owe my success to the sacrifices of my parents, the guidance of my mentors, and the encouragement of my family and friends. None of this would have been possible without them.

My PhD journey not only moulded my academic career but also taught me invaluable life skills — time management, effective communication, resilience, and the importance of balancing intellect with hard work.

I often tell my students, If you want to become a truly smart human being, do a PhD.” It shaped me as a person, teaching me perseverance, adaptability, and humility.

My grandfather believed that the highest rewards for investing in education and helping others is in the very act. No matter how high the designation or success you achieve,” he taught me, humanity matters the most. Be quiet, follow your principles, and work as a role model.” These words have become the bedrock of my life.

My father passed on this wisdom by enabling rural students to pursue higher education, and I follow in his footsteps. I actively volunteer to empower underprivileged students, believing that education is the key to transforming their lives. My commitment to serving others, both as a scientist and as a compassionate individual, remains central to who I am.

My research team at the School of Life Sciences, JSS AHER, Mysuru (Left to right): Jobin Sibu, Hrithik, Sarang Krishna, Vishnu, Khalander Bibi, Karthika, Shankramma K, Nihala Nesrin, Sushmashree K, and Prathibha H.D. Photo credit: Uday
My research team at the School of Life Sciences, JSS AHER, Mysuru (Left to right): Jobin Sibu, Hrithik, Sarang Krishna, Vishnu, Khalander Bibi, Karthika, Shankramma K, Nihala Nesrin, Sushmashree K, and Prathibha H.D. Photo credit: Uday 

From dreams to reality

From the dusty lanes of my village to the global stage of science and innovation, my journey is a story of perseverance, gratitude, and hope. No dream is too big, and no obstacle insurmountable. Today, I am not just a scientist; I am a mentor, a role model, and a beacon of hope for aspiring minds back in my village. My life’s purpose is to show the world that with determination, resilience, and support, anything is achievable.

As I look back, I carry forward the lessons of hard work, kindness, and humility, determined to inspire and uplift others.

Because no matter where you come from, greatness is within reach if you dare to dream and never give up.