From a Hindi Medium Student to a Renowned Forensic Scientist and Author
In the realm of forensic science and environmental research, few names shine as brightly as Dr. Mahipal Singh Sankhla. At just 30 years of age, he has already carved a niche for himself as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Science at Chandigarh University’s University Centre for Research and Development (UCRD), Mohali, Punjab. His journey from a humble background as a Hindi-medium student to becoming a leading researcher, author, and academician is nothing short of inspiring.
A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Born with an insatiable curiosity for science, Dr. Sankhla pursued his Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Forensic Science, followed by a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in the same field from Galgotias University, Greater Noida. Despite facing language barriers in his early academic life, his dedication and perseverance propelled him toward excellence. However, his journey was not easy. During his master’s, he faced immense discouragement from those around him. Many people told him that research was not meant for him and that he would never be able to publish a single article. One of his seniors even mocked him, saying that as a Hindi-medium student, he could never write research papers. This was a particularly demotivating period in his life, but instead of giving up, he made a decision one day, he would write and publish his research articles. It was at this crucial moment that he met Dr. Rajeev Kumar, a professor who became his mentor and guiding force. Dr. Kumar encouraged him not to lose hope and advised him to improve his English by reading novels and watching English web series. Dr. Sankhla followed this advice diligently, working tirelessly to enhance his language skills and understanding of research writing. Under Dr. Kumar’s mentorship, he learned the nuances of writing and publishing scientific articles. Eventually, his hard work paid off when his first research article was published in a reputed journal. This was just the beginning of a remarkable journey. With continued guidance and relentless dedication, Dr. Sankhla went on to publish over 200 research articles, achieving numerous other academic and professional milestones along the way. Dr. Sankhla’s contributions to forensic science, forensic toxicology, nanotechnology, environmental toxicology, and fingerprint analysis are monumental. His research on heavy metals toxicity, forensic toxicology, and environmental forensics has been widely acclaimed. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications, more than 30 book chapters, and 8 edited books, his work has significantly impacted the scientific community. His dedication has also been acknowledged through numerous awards, including the prestigious Young Scientist Award, Young Researcher Award, and Forensic Researcher Award. Additionally, he has earned a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for a project at Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur. His contributions have led to the publication of two Indian copyrights, grant and published over 68 Indian patents. Moreover, his expertise is frequently sought after by leading international journals, including those from Springer, Elsevier, and Bentham, where he serves as a reviewer and editorial board member.
Recognitions and Global Impact
Dr. Sankhla’s work extends beyond research and academia. He has been honored by the Government of India with a nomination to mentor under the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog, which focuses on establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) in Indian schools to foster innovation among young minds.
An Inspiration to Aspiring Researchers
Dr. Mahipal Singh Sankhla’s story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and relentless pursuit of knowledge. From overcoming language barriers to achieving international recognition in forensic science, he embodies the essence of perseverance and passion. His journey serves as an inspiration for students and young researchers, proving that with dedication and resilience, success is inevitable. As he continues to break new ground in forensic science and environmental research, his legacy is one that will inspire generations to come.
“Success is not about where you start; it’s about how determined you are to reach your destination.” – Dr. Mahipal Singh Sankhla