In the quiet corners of academia and the bustling corridors of society, the title “Doctor of Philosophy”—Ph.D.—stands as a beacon of intellectual courage and lifelong commitment to truth. It’s not just a degree. It’s a journey. And for some, like me, it began long before the first research paper was written.
I still remember that day vividly. I was a seventh-grade student in a small village school, sitting cross-legged on the dusty ground during a public felicitation program. Two distinguished individuals from our locality were being honored for earning their Ph.D.s. The chief guest was none other than Hon. Minister Pratibha Tai Patil, who would later become the President of India.
That moment, though simple in appearance, planted a seed deep in my subconscious. I didn’t know it then, but something stirred within me. A silent resolve. A dream. Years later, when I read success literature and conducted training programs on Positive Thinking and Leadership, I often told participants: ‘If you have an earnest zeal and a burning desire, the path reveals itself. And if you walk it with sincerity and hard work, the dream becomes reality.’
I’ve lived that truth. Earning my Ph.D. in Management was not just an academic milestone, it was the fulfillment of a childhood spark that never dimmed!
The modern Ph. D. traces its roots to early 19 th century Germany, where the University of Jena awarded the first research-based doctorate to the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel in 1802 for his dissertation ‘De Orbitis Planatarum’.
The term “Philosophy” in Ph.D. comes from the Greek word philosophia; the love of wisdom. In medieval universities, all fields of knowledge were considered part of philosophy. Thus, whether one studies Engineering, Literature, or Leadership, the title honors the pursuit of wisdom across disciplines.
Some scholars choose not to use the title “Dr.” before their name, preferring instead to write “Ph.D.” after it. One such example is Kenneth Blanchard, whose work in Situational Leadership deeply inspired my own doctoral journey. He writes his name as ‘Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D.’, and his contributions speak volumes regardless of format.
Writing “Dr.” before one’s name signals to the society: Here is someone who has studied deeply, thought critically, and contributed meaningfully. It invites others to listen, not blindly, but with respect. But that invitation goes with a profound responsibility.
If people are listening, the Ph.D. holder must speak the truth. Every word must be carefully coined. Every idea must be ethically grounded. The public trusts the wisdom behind the title. That trust must never be betrayed.
Research is not a safe endeavour. It is a leap into the unknown. The outcome may disrupt norms, challenge authorities, or shake societal foundations. Galileo dared to say the Earth moves; and faced the wrath of the Church. Socrates questioned too deeply; and drank the poison.
To be a researcher is to be courageous. It is to risk being misunderstood, resisted, or even punished. But it is also to stand firm and say: I seek truth, not approval.
The Responsibility of a Doctorate is to pursue knowledge with humility, speak with integrit, accept criticism with grace, inspire others to think deeply and act ethically; and uphold values of sincerity and commitment
As an engineer, educator and writter I often reflect on what my Ph.D. means; not just to me, but to society. It is a symbol of possibility. A reminder that even a village boy sitting on a school ground can dream big and achieve it. But more importantly, it is a call to serve. To use my voice, my pen, and my wisdom to uplift others.
Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on October 4, 2025
