Sendurai Mani: Power of friendship and mentorship

Sendurai Mani, Associate Director for Translational Oncology at Brown University Legorreta Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Power of friendship and mentorship.

When I was a master’s student at Madurai Kamaraj University, my sole ambition was to secure a job as a lecturer in a college. This goal was not just a career aspiration but a pathway to providing for my family and establishing a stable life.

During this time, I met with Pradheep Chhalliyil, an inspiring PhD student at my university. Pradheepkumar believed that pursuing a PhD would offer me and my family a brighter future far beyond what I envisioned with a lecturer’s salary.

Recognizing my circumstances and based on his belief, he made an unparalleled commitment; he devoted a lot of his time and resources to my growth. He invested countless hours teaching me English and science, nurturing me with home-cooked meals, supporting me financially, and even ensuring I had proper clothes. His efforts went above and beyond, laying the groundwork for my academic advancement.

Thanks to Pradheepkumar’s persistent support and hard work, I was incredibly fortunate to be accepted into a PhD program at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) under the mentorship of the esteemed Professor G. Padmanabhan, then the director of the institute.

This monumental shift in my academic career transformed my life in ways I had never imagined. I owe a debt of gratitude to Pradheep Chhalliyil for his kindness and mentorship and for changing the course of my life forever.”

Source: Sendurai Mani/LinkedIn