PhD or motherhood? Both. At IIT Bombay, scholar carves out room for research — and her toddler

Henna K Seethi, a 29-year-old PhD scholar in Health and Medical Psychology at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, manages to balance her research work with caring for her one-and-a-half-year-old son, Omi. She often brings Omi to the campus when her nanny cannot come, allowing the toddler to play or sleep nearby while she focuses on her work.

The lab environment is welcoming, with colleagues appreciative of the young mother's presence. Henna, who has a background in Psychology, cleared the GATE in 2023 and is pursuing research in psycho-oncology. She completed her BSc, MA, and MPhil before moving to Mumbai with her son in January 2025. Despite financial challenges, her husband, a psychologist working in Kerala, provides support.

Henna's journey is not without emotional strain, as she often feels torn between her responsibilities as a mother and her research commitments. However, the supportive atmosphere at IIT Bombay, including her mentor's permission to bring Omi to meetings and classes, has helped ease some of the pressure. During exam periods, Henna relies on temporary accommodation and occasional babysitting from fellow students to complete her work.

She also seeks therapy through the campus's Student Wellness Centre to cope with postpartum blues. While life remains unpredictable, Henna hopes that once Omi turns two and they relocate to campus accommodation, her routine will become more stable. For now, she remains committed to pursuing her academic dreams and being an active mother to her toddler.