working in the laboratoryMy name is Ajayraj Kushwaha, and I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Botany at Allahabad University, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. A turning point in my research journey came when my supervisor, Dr. Vijay Pratap Singh, introduced me to a national fellowship opportunity- the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP) funded by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.

Failures Before Success
I applied for this fellowship twice, but unfortunately, I was rejected both times due to various mistakes and shortcomings in my application. It was disappointing, but I didn't give up. I took these failures as lessons. I improved my research proposal, corrected my earlier errors, and applied once again. This time, my efforts paid off - I was selected for the Summer 2025 National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic for a duration of three months.
To all the students planning to apply, I want to say this: Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Identify your weaknesses, improve your proposal, and apply again with confidence. With hard work and determination, success will follow.

in front of Bratislava castleMy Research Experience in Slovakia
The NSP-SAIA team was very supportive and provided sufficient funding on time, which made it easy to live and work in Slovakia. I carried out my research at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Plant Physiology, Comenius University, Bratislava under the supervision of Professor Marek Vaculik. With his guidance, I was able to complete my three-month research project smoothly and on schedule.

Beyond Research- Learning Through Activities
Apart from research, I actively participated in various academic and cultural activities organized by the university- including workshops, presentations, and even some sports events. These experiences not only improved my research skills but also gave me a deeper understanding of different cultures and ways of thinking.

Exploring Europe
Since Slovakia is part of the European Union, my Schengen visa allowed me to travel to several nearby countries, including Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. Living in Bratislava, I got the chance to witness the beauty of Slovakia and experience the European lifestyle closely.

with famous statue ČumilFuture Plans and Academic Growth
The research I conducted during this fellowship will soon be published as a research paper. I also plan to build future collaborations with Professor Marek Vaculik, and Dr. Michal Martinka (Head of Department), along with the entire Plant Physiology team.

During the fellowship, I had the opportunity to meet many Ph.D. students like Monika Bathoova, Dominik Kostolani, Lukas Gims, and master’s student Zulia. These interactions were both informative and inspiring.

From them, I learned about the experiments they are working on, the techniques they use, and how I can apply or adapt these in my own research. We exchanged ideas, methods, and even discussed possibilities for future academic exchange. I also learned a lot about the education system in Slovakia, both in my host university and the country overall.

More Than Just a Fellowship
The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic is not just a research program. It’s a life-changing experience. It helped me grow not only as a researcher but also as a global citizen. I returned home more confident, more skilled, and with a broader vision of the world of science and education.