MTNews: Hello Tali, thank you for the time. How are you taking care of your busy scheduled life?
Tali: Firstly, thank you Mokokchung Times for this opportunity. By the Grace of God, I am doing great and I can’t deny the fact that I have a busy schedule but nobody is too busy, it’s just a matter of priorities.
MTNews: You cleared your UPSC Geoscientists examination on 2019. Kindly walk us through the efforts and struggles you faced while preparing for this examination.
Tali: Growing up without my dad was not easy but my mother made it seem really easy by playing even the role of a father.
Also, I chose a career which only few students ventured so there were lots of mixed responses at first but somehow, I learnt to manage criticism effectively.
My preparation for UPSC Geoscientist examination started while pursuing for M.Sc Geology. I dedicated a lot of quality time and effort studying and reading but included recreational activities in between. I missed out a lot on family reunions, losses, weddings and Christmas celebration but now, my hard-work has paid off and today I am living my life to the fullest.
MTNews: You’re posted in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, but your projects are in Nashik and Aurangabad which involves a lot of travelling. Is it tiring at times or you’re having fun with it?
Tali: As a central govt. servant, I was ready to serve anywhere in India. Field life is very exciting; you get the chance to appreciate the beauty of nature/ wildlife and the contended communities. Every day is a new adventure because my office doesn’t have four walls but an open space to study.
MTNews: Geoscientist is an atypical profession in our society. Kindly elaborate more on your subject of study and the scope of a geoscientist for our readers.
Tali: Unfortunately, even today, many struggle to differentiate between Geology and Geography. Geologist studies the composition of the earth, its structure and history and assesses the natural disaster and its effects on the environment, explore areas rich in oil, natural gas and minerals and methods to extract those. We also study the nature of the subsurface for construction projects such as highways, tunnels, and bridges. Geologists also help in space science to understand the data they receive from objects in space. So, in India, the geologists and earth science specialist’s gets to work in firms like the Geological Survey of India, Central Ground Water Board, Indian Bureau of Mines, Indian Space Research Organization, ONGC, Coal India, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Mineral Exploration Authority, Hindustan Zinc Limited, and many other mining firms.
MTNews: If someone wants to pursue the field of your study, what advice will you give them? How would you guide them to approach the subject?
Tali: Geology is an ideal career for someone who does not wish to be office bound since much of what we do is done in field. Someone who is adventurous, loves travelling, has great communication skills with great analytical skills along with basic physical stamina can opt for this field of study. Regarding qualifications of a geoscientist, Master’s degree in Geology is a must.
MTNews: You completed your bachelor’s degree from Kohima Science College, so you must be aware of the kind of science education in Nagaland. How would you like to comment on the current scenario of science education in Nagaland?
Tali: As far as I am aware, many of our students are still inclined towards medical or engineering courses while only some opt for B.Sc degree as their first option. And even among those, very few pursue Geology. Perhaps, it was due to lack of awareness and understanding about the field but now, it is emerging as a career with plethora of opportunities. I would wish for our younger generation to opt more for it.
MTNews: You used to live in Mokokchung; any profound memories?
Tali: Until my higher secondary, I was a student of EDHSS so I do have lots of profound memories which I cherish to this day. Visiting Mokokchung after three years this winter was like bringing my fast-paced life to a halt; I enjoyed every bit of quaint and rustic lifestyle. Visiting hometown connects me to my roots and I will never forget where it all started no matter how far I am away.
MTNews: Kindly share a message with our readers.
Tali: I have experienced lots of challenges in life and that’s normal. Life is an uncertain roller coaster ride. You choose to embrace it and enjoy the ride, joyfully learning from your experience along the way. Challenges in life are given for personal growth and self-improvement. And remember, always make your first goal to have a deep, intimate relationship with God. And remember to lean on him more than anything else as proverbs says, “In everything you do, put God first and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”