In 2014, I embarked on my academic journey to pursue my post-graduate studies in India. I made a resolve to do my master’s degree abroad and as such, I started searching for scholarships and Universities abroad. As, it is said, opportunities favour the prepared mind, I came across an advertisement for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarship (ICCR) with Government of Zambia under the Bursaries Committee. I applied for the scholarship and underwent competitive interviews and was offered the scholarship to study Masters in Human Resources Development (MHRD) at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU). Coming from a working background, my Employer-Rural Electrification Authority (REA) granted me study leave in line with the Training Policy whose overall objective is to ensure that REA has at all times, skilled human capital required to discharge its functions.
I landed in the diamond city of India-Surat on 29th June, 2014 and was welcomed by the ICCR Regional Officer who brought us to the University together with other scholars from Uganda, Cape Vade and Afghanistan. I must confess that I never thought that I would be at VNGSU, because it was not the University had originally chosen, however, the ICCR had their own policy of sending scholars to different Universities in India. To me, what was supreme was that I was meeting my goal of pursuing Master’s Degree abroad. One outstanding thing was been a student at the Department of Human Resources Development, I found this department outstanding in the University, beginning from the Head of the Department Dr. Kiran Padya, Faculties, Administrative staff and fellow student, they were all friendly and welcoming. I was skeptical at first, but the warm reception and the attitude of students was very comforting and energized me to study.
DHRD has exceptional leadership and management. The Professors are very friendly and always approachable for any consultation be it in academic and social life. During my two (2) years programme, I was challenged and provoked to study hard, read more books, write blogs and articles regarding my areas of interest. I also came to understand more on my strengths and career objectives. I covered more intense courses which are very relevant to my career and personal development. The department organised a lot of relevant seminars which were very interactive with experienced industrial gurus of India and this really helped to learn from their practical experiences.
Generally, my stay in India was wonderful and I made a lot of good friends, learnt and appreciated different cultural festivals such as diwali, holi, garba dances. I also enjoyed different Indian foods such roti, butter nana, lady finger, mango lassi, panner subji, locho, aloo paratha from different families and friends. Interestingly, food can be sweet and spicy at the same time.
Been an adventurous person, I also visited quite a number of historical cities in India including the amazing Taj Mahal and enjoyed amazing cultural dances. You may ask, if I faced challenges, definitely yes just as challenges are everywhere. I had some like language which I was learning thoda thoda (little little). Importantly, the medium of instruction was English and Faculties were very understanding to ensure that I grasp and master my subjects. Challenges are there in life but it’s how you react to them and your attitude towards that as it is said,” difficult roads often leads to beautiful destination”. In life you need to be committed, focused, determined and persevere as a champion. Today, the 29th day of June, 2016, I can confidently and joyfully say that I met my goal of obtaining my Master’s Degree with distinction and Post Graduate Diploma at the Department of Human Resources Development of Veer Narmad South Gujurat University (VNSGU).
May I take this opportunity to unreservedly thank Professor Kiran Padya, for his able leadership and fatherly heart, Dr D.G. Thakor for wonderfully coordinating our programmes and seminars, Dr Zaveri, Dr. Madhusudan Raj, Dr. Smruti Bulsari, Miss Nehal Raval, Mr. Mayur Bardolia, Mansi, Mrs. Mansi Gaurav Kumar and all respected Faculties at the Department. Deep appreciations also to ICCR and Zambian Government-Bursaries Committee for sponsoring my studies and my Employer who approved my study leave and has since promoted me to my current position of Chief Human Resources.
Shukriya, Aabhar, Natotela and God bless you all!
