A new initiative!

One of the initiatives which Anna took since she was requested to be the co-ordinator for research, at the MOSC Medical college, was to get the undergraduate students interested in doing  small research project in their third year of study. There was response from 21 students to Anna’s request to  submit a research proposal to the Indian Council of Medical Research. I was fascinated by the interest of the students and the participation of equal number of faculty to oversee the research. Although it involved hours of individual meeting with students, Anna felt encouraged and enthused by the creative skills of students.

Out of twenty-one students, seven were selected for the ICMR award. The others are promised an equivalent award from the college.

The students surprised Anna by inviting her for a get-together. It was a spontaneous response of love and regards. 

The students feel enthused by the prospect of this opportunity, this being an annual feature. This being the first time, even the faculty who are to guide the students  felt encouraged by doing something jointly with students. It offers an opportunity for the faculty to be actively involved in mentoring students, which is yet another new step for the faculty.

There is a window of opportunity in every situation. It is a good practice to turn an opportunity into an advantage for others!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)