'Rishika Kundra' Winner of Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship 2013

'Rishika Kundra', 22, who is the winner of Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship for the year 2013, is headed to University of Cambridge.

She is graduated in Zoology from Hindu College, University of Delhi and went on to complete her master's degree in Biomedical Science from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research.

Here is how, she shares about her success to reach Cambridge University.

1. A dream come true

"The Univeristy of Cambridge was always my first choice as it is known for a long and distinguished tradition in the field of science and is one of the oldest and most esteemed universities in the world. My work at Cambridge will focus on spondylo arthritis in general and psoriatic arthritis in particular. Such diseases are currently incurable and also form very substantial contributors to disability and morbidity. Through my research, I aim to concentrate on the pathology of disease progression in patients and try to identify the major factors responsible for the incurable stage of the disease."

2. About her upcoming contribution to the medical field

"My main research interest is in the field of Immunology, especially Disease Immunology. I would like to work on the pathology of major autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks its own organs. Since there is no cure for these diseases at present, I want to contribute to the existing knowledge base about the progression of these diseases. So they can be diagnosed and cured before they become fatal."

3. Her role model

"Venkataram Ramakrishnan, the Nobel Prize winner of Chemistry in 2009, is my constant inspiration. For me, he is the perfect example of what an Indian mind can accomplish if provided with right opportunities. Ramakrishnan also went to Cambridge for his research. This is an immense cause of motivation for me. I really admire his work ethics and the many contributions he made to the field of science."

4. Path of success

"The most important thing I have learnt till date is that, everything starts and ends with us. We have to take responsibility for ourselves, our actions and our goals. Even when things are not going as planned, there is always another path available to us. It was this realisation that made me work untiringly day and night, to secure a seat at the Cambridge University."