PhD viva voce over!

My PhD viva on Monday the 29th March, it was focussed, gruelling at times, but ultimately uplifting initiation, and once in a life time experience. After four hours of questions and answers I emerged with the sound “Its a fine work, congratulations” ringing in my ears from Professors Neil Sorrell and Tina Ramnarine, two scholars whose work I greatly admire and respect. My supervisor Prof. Richard Widdess was also there lending support, someone who has given me so much guidance throughout my PhD. His specialty is classical dhrupad music, the ancient carya and caca, Newar Tantric Budhhist songs, etc. I was impressed with the fact that my examiners had obviously read and remembered even the smallest details!.

I was also carrying within me the love and caring of so many people, friends, family and kirtan musicians from Rarh who have assisted me throughout these years of both turmoil and deep inspiration. I felt as if I was holding a part of each one's personal gifts inside of me as I walked the last part of my journey. At the end of my viva I walked out to find Mo and Shzr Ee there waiting to give me as hug with warm open arms. We are born once, we die once, and we have a viva once in our lifetimes, (usually anyhow). So with immense gratitude and with great relief at having completed my PhD I can now bask in freedom for a while!!
Jyoshna