Name: ACHIN THAKUR
Nationality: India
University: Shandong First Medical University
Location: Shandong
It is well said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. That single step in my life was boarding my ticket on 17/11/2017 to China for pursuing my MBBS degree at Shandong First Medical University.
Initially, my relatives opposed my Father's decision to send me to China. As there was some tension between the two countries at that time. But my Father was very optimistic about his decision. He use to tell me that one should not fear future events and should not predict the people’s nature without meeting and knowing them. And love & peace will always prevail over any conflict. So he sent me to enjoy my life to the fullest and gain real knowledge of life.
But coming abroad was a very different experience for me. In the initial days, I miss my family a lot but with time I become independent. My first impression of China was very beautiful.
From the first instance of seeing and meeting Chinese people, I could easily know that Chinese people are the most helpful and honest human beings I could ever meet.
My University campus is a perfect place to have the overall development of an individual. Whatever I need I could easily find it on my campus. The well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, stadiums, courts, canteens & gyms.
Everything that an individual wants on his or her campus.
Most importantly, I found the University administration very cooperative and friendly with the students. During the pandemic, my University officials treated us as their children and protect us in the best way they can. When Covid-19 hit the world with shock. I found myself very safe in China. I got everything at my doorstep and I had never felt fear.
I got my vaccines easily and till now with God's grace, I have never been infected with the virus.The University officials and the Chinese government provide us with the best facility and safety on our campus. And my family was very happy that I remain safe during the pandemic. I got so much time during the pandemic to master my screenwriting skills and introspect myself.
During my stay in China, I found some fascinating qualities in Chinese people that I need to mention:- 1. Politeness: The first impression I got to talk with them was very heartwarming. 2. Very disciplined: I have never seen any individual breaking any rules and regulations yet. 3. Don't have a ‘Laid back attitude’. 4. Are very fit and healthy ( even older people appear to be very fit). 5. Very humble in welcoming: While going for the hospital rotation at my university hospital. I found the patients very friendly with us. They will let us examine them easily with a smile on their face.
On my University campus, I took part in numerous activities. The first event I could remember was a sports meet where I took part in the 1600m race.
Though I couldn't win that race due to a lack of practice still I manage to run. I could hear Chinese people cheering and motivating me to run faster. It was a good feeling. I have participated in numerous poetry & article writing events and got the certification of excellence for it.
I have celebrated many Chinese festivals during my stay in China. 1. Yuandan: It is mostly known as New year's day. We all dressed well and attended an event that was full of dance and singing. 2. Chinese New Year: I liked it the most as it last for two weeks and was packed with fireworks, lion dances, parades, and feasts. I took part in numerous activities including putting up the Spring Festival scrolls and setting off the fireworks. I tried eating dumplings and found them good. 3. Lantern Festival: During this time, wherever I go, parks, homes, storefronts, markets, and streets, are all lit with beautiful and colourful lanterns. It marks the end of the celebrations of the Chinese New Year with the first full moon. 4. Dragon boat festival: During this festival, I remember eating zongzi made with meat and rice. My Chinese friends told me that during this festival people place offerings in the river so that dragons would bring rain. 5. Double Seventh Festival: It is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. All the couples in my university enjoy this beautiful day by telling their feelings to their loved ones. 6. Mid-autumn festival: It is also known as the moon festival. I have seen the streets and homes adorned with colourful lanterns, and the sky is filled with colourful flying lanterns filled with best wishes.
While celebrating the Chinese festivals made me realise that we all are the same just different in our cultures and languages. I found China so rich in their culture same as that of my country India.
So, my father was right that good people with good intent always find good souls. I changed as a human in China. I become self-independent, more confident, more disciplined and a better human.
At last, in my opinion, China has given me the experience which is helpful in the evolution of my consciousness. I just hope I will learn more from the people & culture of China and will be able to immerse it through my consciousness.
