My experience with French scientists in Goa, India
The days I spent in NIO were unlike the days I usually spend. When I started my days with NIO, I could realize that the process of understanding oceanography from a global perspective had begun. As soon as I discovered the researchers around me, I became more and more surprised to see how intensely people can do research.
First of all, I would like to thank the French Embassy for the fellowship. It has opened up before me a
new way of understanding and opportunity. I am Marufa Ishaque, doing my MS at Dhaka University
Oceanography Department. Currently, I am working on my dissertation titled "Seasonal Circulation in
the Northern Bay of Bengal". I am using satellite data to understand the current seasonal pattern of
Northern Bay of Bengal is largely unexplored. I am very hopeful that my study will add new
knowledge and will encourage more research to explore further.
The days that I spent in NIO were not like the days I usually spend. When I started my days with
NIO, I could realize that the process of understanding oceanography from a global perspective has begun.
As soon as I discovered the researchers around me, I became more and more surprised
to see how intensely people can do research. They were not bothering about office time, neglecting
weekends, dedicating them just to know the unknowns and at the same time helping others. I am
greatly encouraged by the works and words of my supervisor, Dr S. Prasanna Kumar. He guided my
work in the best way that a person could. So, I have learnt different oceanographic computations, theories,
and practical experiences through beach profiling, beach study of North Goa beaches, and many more.
Also, I discussed this with French researchers. Among them, I talked to Matthieu Lengaigne, Fabrice
Papa and Jerome Vialard. I have found them very helpful, and they gave valuable input to my study.
Moreover, I am lucky enough that I could participate in the International Symposium on the Indian
Ocean, Golden Jubilee of CSIR-NIO and 50th Anniversary of completion of IIOE. I met and was introduced
to scientists who came from nearly all over the world. That was a great time that helped me get a real flavour of global oceanography.
Apart from academic achievements, real-life achievements are no less. Sipping the morning tea, I used to
stare at the Arabian Sea. But soon, I found the morning look at the sea was not enough. So, I went to see the
beauty of the ocean on a moonlit night. That was mind-blowing. I was standing on the beach and thinking
that just beside me, an unknown world was waiting with all its creatures that I didn't know. I felt a strong
desire to know the unknowns. Besides the beaches, I enjoyed the food, the culture, the roads, the
people everything. Even I enjoyed the loud music and crowd of local buses, the walking of curious tourists
with maps, the attractive bright light of casino, film festival, literature festival, busy movement in Panjim,
the sound of prayers from Churches and the list is too big to continue. All these experiences have added
new spices to my life. While coming back, I thought many more things were still
undiscovered in NIO and Goa. Probably that is why I am feeling incomplete and missing the place and
the people. I realize again world itself is an educational institution.
After the internship, I am now trying to utilize my learning. Also, among others, I am trying to spread the
knowledge that I have gained from NIO. In the future, I want to be a knowledgeable person and an expert in
physical oceanography to contribute to the development of my country, the world and the
people.
I am very hopeful that in future, the French Embassy will always stand by the side of young
minds to enlighten them and broaden their world of thoughts. Once again, thank you very much for
your support.
Marufa Ishaque
Department of Oceanography
University of Dhaka
2015
