President of YSMU International Students’ Council of YSMU Students’ Parliament Siva Shakthi Veeraswamy is proud that he got opportunity to study and live in Armenia.
23-year-old future pulmonologist is a graduate of the Faculty of General Medicine. “I have always been interested both in studies and extracurricular activities” he says.
The future doctor who distinguished himself at the university with active social and student activities was born and raised in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu State in India. “Since from my childhood, I was interested in reading books, making clay statues and drawings. I used to participate in all kinds of extracurricular activities in my school. During my school days I have been a member of various associations and General Secretary of Students wing and Literature association of Tamil language and worked for the welfare of Students”, he tells.
The Indian graduate remembers his story of choosing a profession: “Many years ago, whenever I get sick, my mom used to take me to a doctor named Ananthi Subramanian in my home town, who used to charge very less money. Later I came to know that sometimes she doesn’t even charge money from people. She inspired me a lot. From that moment I started dreaming of becoming doctor and helping others like her. She may not remember me, but she will remain in my heart forever”.
A wonderful 6-year journey through medical university, according to him, would have been not possible without his parents’ support and blessings. “I’ll be grateful to my parents forever for making me who I am today”, Siva adds.
The very first reason why he chose Armenia was for its beautiful prominent 4 seasons. “As a lover of mother nature, I liked the place very much while searching about Armenia for my higher studies. The second reason is my seniors – the alumni of YSMU who strongly recommended YSMU. They told me a lot about YSMU and Armenia. When I came to Armenia, I realized that whatever they told me is not even equivalent to 1 percent of real Armenia. Also I came to know that YSMU had excellent educational system. Combining all these reasons made me to choose Armenia and YSMU”, Siva emphasizes.
He loves Armenia very much. “I have been to many beautiful places in Armenia like Vanadzor, Lori, Tsaghkadzor, Garni, Dilijian, Sevan etc. For the past few years I have not gone to my motherland. But I feel like I am living in my motherland, because all the people in Armenia whoever I met were so kind to me. In college and in my hostel they treated me like their own son. I am proud that I got opportunity to study and to live in Armenia. Every coin has two sides – positive and negative. Armenia has also two sides but both are same…yes…only positive”, Siva assures.
Yerevan life taught him to live on his own without depending on anyone. “Yerevan has a major role in my life, lot of experiences and beautiful moments which cannot be expressed in words and cannot be forgotten”, Siva adds.
He would love to stay and work in Armenia in future. “It’s a part of my future plan. If the God wills it, for sure, I will come back to Armenia after my FMG Exam”, Siva notes.
Siva started his activities as a member of Students’ Parliament on 2016 when he was in his 2nd year. Later, on September 2018, he became the representative for Indian Students. On September 2019 he got appointed as vice president of International Students’ Council. From February 2020 he started working as a Head of Indian Students’ Council and was continuing his works as vice president of International Students’ Council. On 22nd January 2021, during the Students’ Parliament election, he got elected unanimously as a President of International Students’ Council. On February 1 he also became the member of YSMU Scientific Council. As a President of International Students’ Council, Siva has organized many small and big academic, cultural and sport events for the International students. “Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 pandemic we dropped many of our projects. But still we tried our best to organize events by following all the rules and regulations. Some of the notable events which we organized this semester were – Festival of colors (Holi), football, volleyball, badminton tournaments, scientific conference on obstetrics and Gynecology and presentation competition on various subjects. Last summer along with the Indian Cultural Centre Armenia (Non Governmental organization) we organized Ganesh Chaturthi festival for the first time in Armenia”, he tells.
The Council’s main goal, according to him, is to be a path for all the International students to reach their goals, to fulfill their interest and to solve their problems in all the possible ways in Students’ Parliament. “I would like to mention that this Council is for them, by them and of them. So, international students should not hesitate under any circumstances to contact the Council to solve their issues”, Siva adds.
From his point of view, a doctor must have patience and calmness during difficult situations. “Also, a doctor must have the following qualities: friendliness, willingness to invest time with the patients and good communication skills. I think clinical skills are of great importance in becoming a good doctor. Doctors should try their best to make themselves available at any time to treat the patients”, Siva emphasizes.
To the future graduates and future doctors he would like to say: “Just follow the instructions given by your parents and professors, and success will automatically knock your door”.
Author: Tatevik Ghazaryan