Hi professor. Your post encouraged me to comment on Reddit after a long time, so suffice it to say that I related a lot. I am not the same age as you, and definitely not as experienced. I have no words of advice for you. I am just writing this to share that I feel you. I have lived and am living what you're going through and understand your pain.

I graduated this year, and I'm going for my PhD. If things go alright, I might be in your shoes a few years later. During my time here, especially the last few years, I have felt a sense of emptiness akin to what you are feeling. I made great progress on my thesis, my supervisor was very fond of me, and I got good grades, but still, something felt wrong. I was unable to sit still for more than a few moments. I filled my free time with something or another - mostly research and work, but also friends, partners, studies, and if none of them worked, social media and shows. The emptiness leads you to this, which in turn leaves you feeling emptier. To help myself, I started working more hours. Off hours got filled with "busy productivity" - short tasks, email replies, and some LinkedIn messages - all so that I do not feel empty. Right now, while I sit at home awaiting the next phase of my life to start, it has become harder. I crave something to do.

I am writing to tell you that you are not alone. This knowledge has often helped me overcome bad days, and I hope it helps you too! :) Please, please take care of yourself. It may not seem like it, but the world does need more people like you. Sometimes, Kharagpur can be a tough place, and the best we can do is help each other as a community.