How does your team here at NTC look?
The team consists of about 25 or 26 people. In our experimental lab, we have almost 6 people at the moment (one new Ph.D. student is joining). The team is quite diverse, with people from India, France, Tunisia, Vietnam, Finland, and Czechs. NTC is focused on gender equality. We currently have about 35 women in NTC, which is not that many compared to the total number of approximately 120 people, but that number is slowly and steadily growing. Our team values collaboration, recognizes individual contributions, and drives collective success through shared goals and mutual encouragement.
How was it for you to move to Pilsen? What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a foreigner in the Czech Republic?
The biggest challenge was definitely finding a flat. If you want a reasonable price, it is really difficult. Of course, if you are willing to pay 30,000 Czech crowns, you will find it easily, but for a reasonable price? No. The Czech language was also a problem. I often asked my colleagues to talk to landlords for me, and many times they accompanied me to meetings. Unfortunately, the answer was often no because I am not Czech. They wanted Czech or Slovak people. It took me almost three months to find a flat. But I know most foreigners struggle with this. NTC is very helpful in this case, they have a flat available until you find your own accommodation. They take good care of foreigners.
And how did you adapt to life in Pilsen?
It was not difficult, my experience was good. I haven't seen any kind of racism or something like that so far. I heard about it from people but I have never encountered such a situation. For me, it was quite nice. My colleagues definitely helped me a lot. Like initially, wherever you have to go, to the doctor, bank… they accompany you. Pilsen itself is not very crowded, so I really like it here. My colleagues make fun of me when I talk about crowds because I am from India but I have always been like this, trying to avoid crowds. So for me, it's a calm city and I find it really nice.
What are the biggest differences if you compare your life in India to life in the Czech Republic?
The first thing is people are not in a hurry, they are calm, and everything is calm here. In India, people always run like they are about to lose something. It doesn't matter if they drive or walk, they always rush. People here are not like this and I like it.
Are there any Indian traditions or customs that you continue to practice while living here?
Not really. The only thing that comes to my mind is that I wear this Mangalsutra necklace, which is a substitute for a wedding ring for Hindu women. We got it from our husband at our wedding. People have engagement rings but that's up to you whether you keep them or not.
So you are married. Did your husband move with you to Pilsen?
I came alone initially, but my husband joined me in January. He went back to India for two months and then returned. He kind of commutes between India and the Czech Republic.
Have you met any other people from India here? Is there an Indian community here?
Yes, there is an Indian community here, but I am not really part of it. We have four Indians in our group, and through them, I met other people. But for me, it's not important to be with Indians only. Sometimes I go on small trips or hikes with my Czech colleagues. We have been to Český Krumlov and Orlík. It's more interesting and enriching for me because they can explain more about the places we visit and the culture of the Czech Republic.
You mentioned that your NTC team pays attention to gender equality. How was it back in India? Was it difficult for you as a woman to study physics? Is it common for women to study this field?
Yes, it's common. I wouldn't say it was difficult, but of course, everyone has a different working environment. If we compare the USA and Europe, it's quite different, and the same goes for Europe and India. Here, I feel the environment is more motivating, progressive, and calm. In India, even research is hurried, and work-life balance isn't very good. This can be challenging for women. In the previous generation, the ratio of working women was very low, but it has increased drastically. Society is still changing. In Europe, household work is shared between men and women, but in India, it's still primarily the task of women. This makes it challenging for women because they need to manage both work and household duties. It's definitely improving but still not at the pace it should be. I think it will take at least one more generation to change.
If we go back to your work, what opportunities do you see for growth and development in Pilsen's technology and innovation sector?
It's a good question. Sometimes I think about it and discuss it with colleagues, but I haven't come to any conclusions yet. Compared to Prague or other big cities, Pilsen still lacks many things. There is always room for improvement, even in science and technology, but I can´t think of specific areas to focus on right now.
Maybe if you compare it with your experience abroad, are there any differences that you see?
To give a specific example, we needed sample holders here. We could have bought them from a specialized company for an outrageous amount of money. We would have had to conduct market research, and even then, it would not have been the most economical option. Because we didn't want to spend too much, we came up with the idea to buy special sheet metal and have them made. This turned out to be more cost-effective, but we still had to select companies to customize it for us. There was a lot of paperwork involved, and it took about two months. In India, we had access to a service workshop that handles laboratory equipment. They would have bought the material, made the holders for us, and delivered them within 15 days. I think that sometimes you unnecessarily complicate your lives here with excessive bureaucracy, even for smaller things.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your research?
As I mentioned before, we are exploring different kinds of properties of new materials specially in magnetism, including alter-magnetism. I will also start a new project, the Marie Curie fellowship, but the Czech version, that involves my research titled “Dynamics of Topological Spin Textures in Quantum Materials” and it should take two years. So for the next two years, I will stay here and then see what happens.
If you look back at your journey, what have been some of the most rewarding experiences in Pilsen?
I think I'm really developing as a person. I meet many people from different backgrounds, with different customs and perceptions. For me, it's about personal development. What is normal for me is not normal for someone else, and I think it's important to realize that. I enjoy getting to know Czech culture, it's interesting to me.
Do you have any advice for other foreign researchers or entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Pilsen?
I think they should come, there are many opportunities here. Our team has big projects and many mobility funds, and we are looking for Ph.D. and postdoc candidates. I don't see any negative aspects. If it matches your field, you should definitely come.
Thank you and good luck.
The interview was recorded within the Smart Accelerator of the Pilsen Region III project, no. CZ.02.01.02/00/22_009/0008121.
