23‑year‑old poetess and novelist Priya Singh has been swept off her feet by an unexpected turn of fate. Known for her lyrical verses and a life lived on whimsy and random decisions, Priya’s latest chapter began at a literary fest in the university where she encountered the multilingual luminary Professor Dr. Shashi Kant Tripathi.
A graduate of English Literature and Screenwriting, Priya had always viewed a PhD as a long, disciplined journey—something at odds with her free‑spirited nature. “Life is thoroughly practical, but I always dwell in a world of fantasy and imagination,” she says, reflecting on her random decision to pursue doctoral research.
The turning point arrived when Dr. Tripathi, a revered philosopher and literary scholar, delivered a keynote that blended Sanskrit verses with English literature. “I was mesmerised by his Sanskrit verses and English literature lecture,” Priya recalls. “I never imagined he would coincidentally become my PhD guide.”
After clearing the university entrance test, Priya faced two hurdles: the geographical distance from her hometown of Meerut to Chitrakoot and the daunting structure of a three‑year PhD program. Everything shifted the moment she saw Dr. Tripathi on campus and learned he heads the English department and would be her guide.
Qualities of Dr. Shashi Kant Tripath
Dr. Tripathi is a poetic visionary who crafts lectures and everyday conversations in verse, turning complex literary theory into lyrical experiences. A multilingual scholar, he is equally adept in Sanskrit, English, and several other Indian languages, bridging classical and modern thought. Known for his kind and calm demeanor, he creates a stress‑free, nurturing environment for researchers. His work‑aholic nature is balanced by an approachable, hands‑on mentoring style, while his non‑judgmental, explorer mindset encourages students to push boundaries and experiment freely. As a thought‑leader, he answers queries with depth, linking philosophy, linguistics, and contemporary literature, inspiring scholars across generations from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. He is so calm that he can handle hundreds of Gen Z research scholars together.
Priya Singh further remarks that
“Her friends near & dear ones are more interested in knowing about her PhD guide, and ironically everyone says, ‘Who is the great person to handle a poetic, imaginative research scholar in a journey of hard work, practical approach & discipline?’ I am so happy that I got a great mentor who has acceptance for every kind with a compassionate attitude. Being a poet, the most amazing creativity which inspires me is that my guide has the creativity to do conversation in poetic form and couplets. Overall, I love to be in my comfort zone, but I am happy to learn these three years with him. I strongly believe that I will become a better version of myself.”
With this serendipitous match, Priya is set to embark on her PhD journey titled ‘PhD with Coincidence’, a reflection of how her academic pursuit began unexpectedly and coincidentally—by pure luck.
Priya Singh further remarks, “Indian universities require such guides as Dr. Shashi Kant Tripathi who not only answers the question but knows how to give satisfaction to the questioner. Instead of making a PhD a rigid, highly disciplined program, more attention should be given to the art of balancing a highly intellectual, experienced professor with a fresh research scholar. Only then we will be able to create an environment comparable to foreign universities.”