Archive · 12 Sep 2026
At IIT Bombay, PhD scholar balances research and motherhood
Henna is a student doing a PhD at IIT Bombay.
She also has a young son named Omi.
When her nanny cannot help, she brings Omi to campus.
He plays or sleeps near her while she works in the lab.
Teachers and other students have helped her care for him.
Finding enough time for both research and parenting makes her feel stressed and guilty.
She has received therapy and support from the campus wellness centre.
Henna hopes life will become easier after Omi turns two and they move into campus housing.
Henna K Seethi brings her toddler Omi to IIT Bombay when childcare is unavailable.
The 29-year-old PhD scholar researches health and medical psychology while caring for her son.
Seethi and Omi currently live in Bhandup while awaiting campus accommodation for married students.
Professors, colleagues, students and campus services have provided support during classes, meetings and examinations.
Seethi has experienced postpartum blues and uses therapy through IIT Bombay’s Student Wellness Centre.
- Who
- Henna K Seethi, a 29-year-old PhD scholar, and her son Omi.
- What
- Seethi is balancing doctoral research in health and medical psychology with caring for her toddler.
- When
- She began her IIT Bombay work after moving to Mumbai when Omi was three months old; her son was born in January 2025.
- Where
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and their current home in Bhandup, Mumbai.
- Why
- She wants to continue her research and career without treating motherhood as a barrier, despite childcare, housing, financial and emotional pressures.
- Scholar
- Henna K Seethi
- Institution
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
- Research area
- Health and Medical Psychology, with an interest in psycho-oncology
- Child
- Omi, born in January 2025
- Current residence
- Bhandup, about five kilometres from campus
- Support
- Professors, colleagues, students and IIT Bombay’s Student Wellness Centre
- Accommodation
- Seethi hopes to move into campus accommodation after Omi turns two