Bhakti Chalak/Pune

A 33-year-old woman from Parbhani, Maharashtra has proven that it takes courage, not money, to realise dreams. Born into a mUslim family, Zeenat Parveen Muhammad Akhtar has secured a post-doctoral position at the renowned Pusan ​​National University in South Korea. She is getting ready to fly to Korea on December 25.

Zeenat Parveen studied till class 10 at Fatima High School, an Urdu medium school. Despite not having English as her medium, she developed a keen interest in science. After completing science in classes 11 and 12, she joined SGGS, an autonomous engineering college. However, she could not afford the high costs. She joined the DSM College, Parbhani, for her graduation. She worked as a teacher in a primary school to meet her expenses.

She secured the first position in the university in M.Sc. and received a gold medal for her achievement.

Zeenat Parveen receiving her PhD Degree

Sarode Sir and Padaskar Sir of DSM College called her father and relatives and strictly told them not to force her into marriage as she had a lot of promise.

Zeenat started preparing for a PhD. After receiving the DST INSPIRE Fellowship from the Central Government, she started research under the supervision of Professor RS Mane at Swami Ramanand Tirth Marathwada University. Zeenat researched the energy sector and supercapacitors. She was into making new devices by preparing nanocomposites of metal oxides like bismuth oxide, manganese oxide and antimony oxide.

Zeenat's father used to work as a waiter in a hotel, but due to ill health, he left the job. After this, her cousin Muhammad Akram took over the responsibility of the joint family. He is associated with the transport sector and has always favoured education as an empowering tool.

Zeenat credits her maternal uncle for giving her a sound foundation by teaching her at home.

Zeenat Parveen being felicitated for her achievment

Her siblings are also pursuing higher education. One brother is a surgeon. The other also has a medical degree. Cousin Nikhat Parveen cleared the TET exam in her first attempt. A sister completed the Aleema course and secured a place in religious education. Another girl in the family is in the fourth year of MBBS. All these examples dispel misconceptions about girls' education in Muslim society.

In 2023, Zeenat married Mamoon Rashid. Marriage did not stop her education, but she found a partner who encouraged her at every step. Zeenat says that whenever she failed in an interview, her husband would encourage her. Be it the visa process or the interview forms. They stood by her everywhere. She says emotionally that her husband is the lead manager in the IIT Physics wing. 

Zeenat says that young people, especially girls, should value the trust of their parents. There are many types of greed in the world. Don't waste your time getting into a conflict with them. Have a dream and then pursue it.

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Zeenat is selected to do research under the supervision of Professor Kim of Pusan ​​National University, South Korea. The selection process was difficult. First, her research and papers were reviewed. Then an interview and presentation were conducted.