Meet Dr. Mamta Ahuja, a professor at a girls college with 28 years of teaching and research experience. Having received prestigious CSIR fellowships, she  has completed major UGC research projects, and published over 50 research papers. Dr. Ahuja guides doctoral students in analytical and environmental chemistry.

Dr. Mamta Ahuja begins her #MeriKahani with these inspiring words:

जो इरादे हों पक्के, और हो सच्ची लगन, तो बाधाओं की तपन भी लगेगी शीतल पवन।  मंज़िलें खुद आएंगी चूमने कदम, बेशक तुम नाप लोगे, कामयाबी का गगन ।

Meet Dr. Mamta Ahuja, a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Government Meera Girls College, Udaipur. She has been in the field of teaching and research for 28 long years.

Dr. Ahuja completed her master’s degree and PhD from Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. She has also received a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) and Research Associateship (RA) from CSIR, New Delhi. During her career, Dr. Ahuja has completed two research projects (minor and major) from UGC, Delhi.

Shedding light on the Department of Chemistry at Meera Girls College, Dr. Mamta Ahuja informs that the department boasts three labs and also a special Research Laboratory, catering to the practical nature of chemistry as a subject. The college offers BSc, MSc, and PhD courses with 20 students enrolled in the doctorate program. Green Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry are the main focus areas where research is performed here.  Her research area is Coordination Chemistry, Environment, and Analytical Chemistry.

Sharing a glimpse of her achievements, Dr. Mamta Ahuja says she has published 50 research papers and two books, and is currently a mentor and guide to four PhD students pursuing their research under her supervision. She feels she was fortunate to have got a major project from UGC. Under that project, she did some special research work on chelating groups (Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and their molecules to metal ions) to biodegradable Guar Gum used for the removal of heavy metals from toxic water.

When asked about her inspiration behind pursuing science, Dr. Ahuja says that from her childhood she had an interest in science. She also looked up to Marie Curie, the first ever woman  to have won a Nobel Prize in both Chemistry and Physics. Inspired by her, Dr. Ahuja decided to pursue chemistry which is useful in both industry and college education.

Reflecting on her early days, Dr. Ahuja remembers she spent her childhood in Faridabad from where she also completed her BSc from Govt. College, Faridabad. Thereafter, she came to Hisar to pursue her masters and PhD from Haryana Agricultural University. After completion of her PhD, Dr. Ahuja received SRF and RA fellowship from CSIR. This sparked her interest in research and she pursued it with full dedication.

Talking about her role models, Dr. Ahuja says she draws inspiration from the renowned Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie who worked hard despite financial constraints pursuing her curiosity and interest in radioactivity. She discovered two new elements, Radium and Polonium, from her research on the uranium-rich mineral Pitchblende, which inspired Dr. Ahuja the most. She feels this research of Marie Curie is of prime importance for today’s youth. Besides Madam Curie, Dr. Ahuja also draws inspiration from the famous chemist John Dalton, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa, and Ratan Tata.

“ख़ुदी को कर बुलंद इतना कि हर तक़दीर से पहले ख़ुदा बंदे से ख़ुद पूछे बता तेरी रज़ा क्या है?”, is the quote Dr. Ahuja seeks inspiration in. She elaborates, saying that by achieving excellence in what you pursue, you will gradually attain your goals. Dr. Ahuja encourages everyone to work diligently to ultimately realize their ambitions.

For students aspiring to pursue chemistry, Dr. Ahuja tells them about the various courses available at the Chemistry Department of Meera Girls College which include MSc in Organic Chemistry and a PhD for those interested in research. She highlights the good facilities available at the college which include labs and instruments.

Dr. Mamta Ahuja advises students to set clear goals and to always give their absolute best, exploring various ways to achieve success. She emphasizes that failures should prompt students to work upon their weaknesses, leading to eventual success. Dr. Mamta encourages self-belief, calling it the true secret to success, and underscores the value of hard work, as there are no shortcuts in life. She confidently assures everyone that those who persist will eventually reach the top.

Finally, Dr. Ahuja recommends students pursue hobbies alongside academics to maintain relaxation and balance.