On the Write Track: Meet CHL PhD Graduate Dr Shvetal Vyas Pare

What inspired your PhD project?

My PhD thesis brought together history and literature. I examined certain pre-independence Gujarati novels, and argued that the representations of kingdom, household and ashram were variations on the theme of a nation. I had read these books and was thinking about the ways in which they talked about vernacular identity, its relationship with the nation and so on. It felt like they kept calling me back to my roots!

What pearls of wisdom do you have for others who might be walking your path or planning to?

Plenty! Like many other PhD students, my journey was full of ups and downs. I faced some serious setbacks, and there was a time when I almost gave up. Having come out on the other side of the journey now, I have learnt a few things along the way: 

• A PhD is a lifelong lesson in perseverance, patience, unlearning and then learning again. It is not only about the thesis, but also learning how to engage with a project over a long period of time, overcoming various crises as they unfold alongside.   
   
• The support of your supervisors is the most important thing during a thesis. Their encouragement is what gets you through the most difficult times, and there are always some difficult times in every thesis!

• A PhD is granted to an individual, but it often takes a village to make it happen. My family has given up valuable time with me so I can focus on the writing.
   
• Once during my thesis my supervisor Peter Friedlander told me, “Everything takes the time it does", and it has become like a talisman for me. Often, things are not in our control and the process seems never-ending. Accepting that delays are inevitable frees you up to actually enjoy the process. 
   
• Finally, no two people's PhD journeys will be the same. Being kind to yourself is as important as being kind to others. There is a lot of advice out there: take what works for you and forget the rest. 

What has been the highlight of your higher degree journey here?

I think the final stretch, where I did a lot of writing, re-writing and editing, was the highlight for me. For the first time ever, I was working on a book-length argument. I found a lot of joy in my research too, thinking through the implications of what I was saying and developing my arguments as far as they would go (helped by some excellent feedback from my supervisors). I would have never believed it, but that is when I realised how much I love writing. 

Who is Shvetal beyond her thesis?  

I currently work as the Book Review Editor of the journal ReOrient: The Journal of Critical Muslim Studies. I also edit books, journal articles and grant applications on a freelance basis. I love books and reading, and I’m equally passionate about storytelling through filmmaking. In my 20s, I took time off from academia to work for a production house in Mumbai. During this time, I learned a little bit of everything and a lot about how TV shows are made in India. I have also co-written the script for the Indo-Australian film, Saltbridge.   

What’s next for you?

There is so much to explore! I am applying for teaching jobs, research jobs, library jobs and teaching research skills jobs. I do editing on a freelance basis and am currently editing two books, one for Hurst publications and the other for University of Toronto Press. I am also trying to get a couple of screenplay projects underway now that my thesis is done. I am an eternal optimist, and I am excited about the prospects the future holds!  

Interested in higher degree studies like Shvetal, but just not sure where to start? Explore our website and reach out to us for a discussion!