I had a perceived answer to the question, why I think I deserve this scholarship; is a platform for self-appraisal of personal accomplishments, awards, and meritocratic reflections. I could also boast about my endeavors in academics and personal life-: excellent academic history (appeared in top 3-5 ranks during the whole academia), many national & international researches and projects in Europe, Asia and Middle East, appearances in international conferences (Conference of Parties (COP 17), Water Research Forums, UK; International Science Fair, USA), many awards in non-curriculum activities (more than 100 awards), volunteering activities- reflecting the balanced side of me. I believe all of these would substantiate my answer, 'Yes this is why I think I deserve this scholarship'. But none of these adds to why I ultimately believe I need (different from deserve) this scholarship.
During the years of career advancements, although enjoying the pride of working in researches and projects of United Nations, SGS Group, and Environmental Agency, UK etc., I often burst into tears looking at people in Africa, India, Bangladesh, Europe severely vulnerable to poverty, water, and food crisis. I have seen policies and governments failing relentlessly to support what they offered and international conferences, acted as no better than a cafeteria. Exacerbating problems of water crisis and its close nexus to energy security has been given little attention in the global research and policy developments by corporates and governments. My struggles to draw their attention towards arsenic and heavy metallic pollutants in South Asian Countries, lack of financing mechanism in water, water collection and recycling in India were squandered questioning my expertise and knowledge.
All the challenging experiences in my life (including financial troubles) made me a very strong person all together. "All the great persons lived in this world are shaped the obstacles in their ways- APJ Abdul Kalam. It is the same understandings made me quit a highly paid unethical job in huge multinational corporate although it was a mean of survival for a mediocre family like mine. My consciousness of social obligations and the vitality of education and passion, even though brought me immense pain, I find them as one step closer to my success. This is exactly why I think; I deserve and need this scholarship.
A PhD in water management aspects enabling me to develop knowledge and skills in areas of cost effective desalination (renewable energy), water harvesting and recycling, advanced water treatment methods, effective water footprint assessment, integrated water management strategies etc. to support a wider community to benefit from water resource distribution, develop a hydrological accounting models. This would act as pillars of strengthening local and poor community by rewarding them and alleviating poverty, income disparity, food and energy crises.
The roles of great international universities like----- in structuring excellent academic systems with quality research to support elite individuals to develop and contribute their skills for societies are unfathomable. These Universities of -----at multicultural diversity, intellect and international quality will be the ideal place to design me for a better future.
It is difficult to portray the real talent and passion in a piece of paper. However I can promise that this scholarship will give me an opportunity to develop into a person of greatest dreams with a solid voice that the whole World will listen one day. 'Because I believe in why I do is more important than what I do'.
Perhaps, you should also include some concrete goals of your PhD research? You describe current situation but give a little information about what you really are to do.
This is a very good point. You need to talk about your goals more; both academic and professional... Tell them what you intend to achieve with this learning exposure.
Even having been enjoyed the privilege of being a part of huge multinational company that pays me off a very good salary,
I believe all the great persons lived in this world are shaped by how they have confronted in the paths of obstacles.
I suggest "motivated" in place of "shaped" .... Their characters have been shaped by many influences and obstacles can be just one of them. For example, religious beliefs too had a great influence on Mahathma Gandhi's character. However, the obstacles on one's way certainly give the person a challenge that would motivate him to win it.
