Indian graduates do not forget their Alma Mater even after decades: 27 years after graduation, 50-year-old Poonam Mehta (Dabas) is setting foot in the Medical University for the first time, where every door is familiar, where the most precious memories awaken, condensing the achievements, growth and knowledge of the years.
According to a specialist working in the United Kingdom, the university has provided her with a great platform to study and become a doctor.
“If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I am very grateful, this is a second home for us. Our teachers used to come and see us in the hostel. Yervand Sahakyan, Vice-Rector for International Affairs; was as a father for us. And after years, I am very happy to meet him again”, Poonam Mehta tells. Her son, 19-year-old Rahul Mehta; is also studying at YSMU.
They have made so many friends in Armenia, especially in Ashtarak. “We are still in touch with them, they came to UK. We have attended so many Armenian weddings. I’ve got Armenian friends working in UK at good positions”, she adds.
Poonam Mehta’s mom was a teacher: “She was teaching Hindi in India. My dad is a scientist, he is a PhD in Maths and Physics. So, no one is a doctor in our family. My mom said that as a child I always wanted to become a doctor, but I don’t remember that.
One of my dad’s colleagues’ daughter was studying in Russia at that time. In 1991 she finished and suggested for me to come to Armenia. That’s why I came and studied here. Two years later my brother Arun Dabas came, then three years later my sister Vandana came (she studied in National Politechnic University of Armenia)”.
Her husband, Rajash Mehta; is a manager, he is a politician. He is a Cabinet member in UK, and he has also been a mayor of Telford (in 2018 and in 2022).
“This is my first time to come here after I graduated. I know so many doctors who graduated from YSMU working all over the world”, Poonam Mehta emphasizes.
She graduated in 1998, 27 years ago. “I came in 1991 when Armenia was a part of USSR. I’ve always dreamt of returning to Armenia. People here are so friendly. We have a lot of good memories. I think, Armenian culture is similar to Indian.
Basically, when we went from here, we were different persons. We could live everywhere”, Indian graduate assures.
Now she works as a general practitioner in UK. “We’ve got our own clinic. I’m specialized in diabetes and sexual health. I do teach as well. At the moment I have 6 trainees at one of the medical centers in Birmingham”, Poonam Mehta notes.