Indian graduate Margi Parikh: “PSU changed my life”

In April of this year, Penza State University became part of the Consortium of educational and scientific organizations, one of whose goals is to strengthen the image of Russia in the world and attract talented specialists. This is exactly what the project “Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science” is aimed at. By 2030, a pool of 250 international graduates of Russian universities, scientific and pedagogical staff members and government officials from 60 countries will have been created. They will promote domestic education at international and socially significant platforms. One of the candidates for this honorary title is Margi Parikh from India, a graduate of the Faculty of General Medicine, who graduated from PSU in 2019. She talked about her student life and confessed her love for her alma mater.

— Margi, tell us about your studies at PSU.

— In 2013, I graduated from school in India and was looking forward to entering university. It turned out to be difficult to do this at home, and my friends suggested going abroad. As a result, I chose Russia, where Indian students have been studying medicine since the 1960s. I learned that Penza has a very high level of medical education, so I chose Penza State University as my alma mater. I had always wanted to be a doctor, that’s why I chose general medicine as my major. This was a six-year programme that was conducted in English for the first time for Indian students at Penza State University, and I was honored to be a part of this experiment.

— How did the training go: what was easy and what was difficult?

— The training itself was not very difficult, but adapting to a new culture, a new way of life, new climatic conditions and a new language, of course, was somewhat difficult in the first year. But the university and the Institute of International Cooperation helped every Indian student get used to it. It was somewhat interesting and adventurous, so we simply followed the instructions provided to us. I participated in various events: “Student Spring”, “Dialogue of Cultures”, Friendship Lessons”, in national festivals (both ours, for example Navratri and Diwali, and those of representatives of other countries). We became part of the university's international family, which not only helped us adapt, but also made the learning process easier and more interesting.

— What do you remember most from university life?

— Student life was more or less a new experience that changed me as a person, since we were the oldest of the group and had to explore the city on our own. This made my university life more meaningful to me because it was like being an international student and not having a senior to help me make the right decision. These six years have made me who I am today.

— What was your life like after graduation? Where are you currently working?

— Life after graduation was not very easy, because almost immediately after our graduation the pandemic began and we at once plunged headlong into active work. First, we had to pass the licensing exam. I prepared for it in Delhi, but due to the pandemic, there was no institution that would provide training for this exam. So, I returned to my hometown of Vadodara, where I got an internship at a hospital. Shivaay Hospice, where I am still working, gave me an amazing experience. I quickly found a common language with colleagues, management and patients: I am hardworking, punctual, patient and ready to help at any moment - in my opinion, this is exactly what a doctor should be like. And I was able to develop all these qualities that now help me successfully cope with my work within the walls of PSU. I have visited my university three times after graduating. The memories I have of Penza are some of the best in my life. Penza is like a second home for me. I want to always stay connected to the university. I was able to communicate with younger students who are now in their first year and know me. And I like the fact that I was one of the first medical students from India to come to Penza 11 years ago, but students continue to come here to this day and study very well. It is always a pleasure for me to meet my teachers and officials of my university, as Penza has become a very important part of my life. And, of course, over 11 years, a lot has changed both in me and at PSU. I love to see how much effort the university puts into making the lives of Indian students more comfortable. They are provided with the best conditions in the halls of residence and canteen. Over the past 11 years, the general medicine programme has changed greatly, and now there are students of a completely different generation, from a different era, but one thing has remained constant - the love for their alma mater. I am proud to see PSU graduates doing well in India!

— You are a candidate for the title “Ambassador of Russian Education and Science.” What does this mean to you?

“As I said, Penza State University gave me the life I am living today, and Russia, its people and culture changed me forever, and therefore it will be a huge privilege for me if my candidacy is approved.” Our experience of student and cultural life at the university and our first experience of communication with the university leadership and teaching staff gave us a lot. And I am confident that I will be able to pass on my experience to future students and their parents, who are usually a little afraid to send their children abroad. This title will give me great support and great recognition. I will be able to host several events in the field of Russian education to help Indian students get the most out of their student life in Russia.

Interviewed by Maria Melnikova
"University newspaper", No. 5 (1796) dated June 13, 2024