Parting with Purpose – What We Take Home from Manipal

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 Thoughts on our intensive course on the day of departure from Manipal 

Written by Sari & Eveliina

Our departure day was as sunny and warm as the other days of our intensive course. In addition to the colorful souvenirs which we bought from clothing stores, markets and shopping malls, we are taking home a big backpack full of knowledge about the public health care system and its infrastructure in Manipal and Udupi area, and a rich cultural experience of the state of Karnataka. 

 

On the second day of the course program, director of Prasanna School of Public Health, Dr. Cherian Varghese started his lecture by saying “What the mind does not know, the eyes do not see”. As the world is getting smaller and multicultural development of societies is a global phenomenon, this statement very well describes the value of our experience provided by Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Coming from Finland, the cultural, geographical, financial, linguistic and religious diversity of the world’s most populous country seems like a jumble, but in the end, somehow, they merge. This intensive course has provided us with important knowledge and understanding on various aspects of public health in India. Thus, we are now more able to recognize and reflect on global contemporary public health issues, each of us from our own academic angle. 

 


On the bus ride from the hostel to the airport, the feeling was nostalgic, but on the other hand it was nice to get home to reflect on your own thoughts and share experiences with family, friends, fellow students and colleagues. The extensive program, the heat of the days and the colorful surroundings of Manipal left little energy for writing a diary during the trip. We are thankful for the all the hospitality and friendliness that our group was treated with. We feel that we have established meaningful friendships and connections as well as having had a chance to share our own knowledge and ideas. 


 

Special thanks go also to our own group. Even though we were from different backgrounds and ages, our progress was smooth. It was nice and easy to collaborate and exchange ideas with everyone. We are looking forwards to meet again in our course ending seminar and present on our specific health related topics. The couple of weeks in between will for sure clarify everyone’s thoughts about our unforgettable experience in Manipal.








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