FOR students around the world, acceptance into the “Oxbridge” universities represents the pinnacle of academic excellence.
Beyond the academic prestige, these two universities - Oxford and Cambridge - are often recognised for their rich, eccentric university cultures.
Penang-born Kharthik Chakravarthy, 24, who received a full Oxford-Qatar-Thatcher Scholarship, granted by Somerville College six months ago to complete his PhD in Engineering Science at Oxford University, said it was a dream come true.
“I feel lucky to have an opportunity to experience Oxford University while I am still young.”
Khartik completed his secondary school years at Penang Free School and proceeded to do his Cambridge A-levels at INTI International College, Penang. He received the National Scholarship Award from the Public Services Department to further his undergraduate studies at the Imperial College in London.
There, he took up Mechanical Engineering, with an emphasis on aeronautical and aerospace applications.
Growing up in a house where both his parents are lecturers, he enjoyed the process and challenges of being a student.
“It was such a joy to see the fruits of your labour each time you completed your studies. So much so I decided to continue doing a postgraduate research at Oxford University because they’ve made some significant breakthroughs and discoveries in my area of research.
“I wanted to be a part of a research community that was experienced and likely to guide me well as I delve into my own research,” he said.
His doctorate will take about three to four years to complete.
While at the same time, Khartik has also been giving entrepreneurial ventures a lot of thought.
“I’ve always been in pursuit of a profession that I know will benefit society, and at the same time, I will be able to see the impact of my work
on the community directly.
“Oxford University is a great place for this because they have a large social enterprise with regular networking and mixer events, which allow me to gain insights and ideas as to how to make a difference in society,” he said.
LIVING THE CULTURE
Khartik still finds it mind-boggling to think that he is walking in the footsteps of people like C.S. Lewis, Stephen Hawking, Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi who once went to the same institution.
A usual day for Khartik involves experimental work in his laboratory, simulation work on his computer, or even just report writing.
“On a daily basis, I usually get into work at 9am. Some days I have meetings with supervisors and other academics to plan for future experiments.
“I normally finish around 6.30pm and head straight to the squash courts to play squash with my teammates,” he said.
Khartik said the unique Oxford experience lies in its dress codes, commonly known by Oxonians, the ‘sub-fusc’, which is a traditional dress required for all Oxford students.
Potentially the inspiration for British school uniforms seen in popular movies, the sub-fusc includes a suit and bowtie (for men), black shoes, a plain white collared shirt or blouse, a mortar board, and an academic gown.
“For aspiring Malaysian students, sub-fusc are mandatory apparel for an Oxford student when attending examinations and official ceremonies.”
Another prevailing culture at Oxford, he added, includes the unique tradition of wearing a specific-coloured carnation during examinations.
Tradition dictates that a white carnation is to be used during a student’s first examination, a pink carnation for intermediate examinations and a red carnation for an individual’s final examinations.
“We also have ‘trashing’, a celebratory event held after students sit for their final examinations. It marks an ending for students after gruelling hours of examinations that are usually held over the course of a few weeks.
“Lastly, ‘matriculation’, a grand occasion that marks the official conferment of membership for a student into the university.
Interestingly enough, this century-old tradition is a compulsory part of every Oxford students’ journey and students who do not participate will not be allowed to sit for their examinations,” he added.
Despite these eccentric traditions, Kharthik said he didn’t experience any difficulties in adjusting to his life in Oxford University, attributing this to the exposure he received by being a Malaysian and beginning his education locally.
“As Malaysians, we have the unique advantage of growing up with a diversity of perspectives, cultures, and traditions, which not only allow us to adapt to different circumstances, but also provide us with a sense of open-mindedness and enjoyment when meeting new experiences.
LIFE EXPERIENCE
While juggling a range of extra-curricular activities, Khartik was also always on top of his studies. He was consistently one of the top two students in his cohort at Imperial College, resulting in him receiving awards such as the Frank Turner Wilson prize (for the top student in a year), the Allen Prize (for the top student in Mathematics and Statistics), and the Student Centenary Prize (for the student with the most meritorious work submitted).
Khartik is currently the captain of the Oxford University’s Squash Men 2nd Team.
Khartik enjoys volunteering and intends to continue doing so. As he reminisces, he said spending the summer of 2016 in Honduras, Central America with a team of engineers was an eye-opener for him.
“Our task was to design and build a water distribution system for a rural community that had no access to clean water.
“In addition to the physical work we did, we raised money through fundraising events at my university to help sponsor the communities in Honduras for these projects.