From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, July 15: NEIGRIHMS Director, Dr. Nalin Mehta has encouraged students to keep themselves updated about current events and sports, while emphasising that being a well-rounded individual is crucial.
Dr. Mehta said this in his address as the chief guest at the inaugural programme for ‘Meghalaya Star 30: Guiding Aspirations for NEET Exams’ at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) Campus in Nongsder, Ri-Bhoi, on Monday.
Inaugurated by the State Council of Science, Technology, and Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya, the programme was attended by SIRD Director SR Marak, Member Secretary of SCSTE Gunanka DB, and other officials.
In his address during the programme, Dr. Mehta emphasised the importance of passion and dedication in pursuing a career in the field of medical science.
Highlighting the rigorous nature of medical entrance exams and the necessity of genuine interest in the field, Dr. Mehta advised the students, saying, “If you are seriously interested in becoming doctors, stay here. If you have been forced by your parents, friends or relatives, their dreams are none of your business. If it is your dream, your passion and your voluntary wish, only then please stay here.”
Recalling his journey, Dr. Mehta recalled, “I can go back to 1981 when I was a 17-year-old, stepping into my first year of MBBS. In those days, we didn’t have many colleges, and the entrance exam was very rigorous. Now, this initiative aims to provide you with that same rigor.”
He also stressed the importance of balancing hard work and fun. “Those of you who are under the impression that you are here for a picnic, you are partly right. Because if you can have fun while working hard, then it becomes a picnic, then you are realizing a dream,” Dr. Mehta said.
He also quizzed the students on recent sports results, and contended that students should stay informed about current events and sports.
“I do not want bookworm doctors,” the NEIGRIHMS Director said.
“Your role is not just being a doctor. On this planet, doctors wear multiple hats. When a patient comes to you, he is looking for advice, medical treatment and mentorship. You are a friend, philosopher, guide, mentor, teacher, trainer and doctor. This is the only profession where patients will come to you trusting you with their lives. So please don’t take it as a joke. This is a very serious business,” he concluded.
It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya Star 30 is a free residential coaching programme for students who have passed 10+2 examinations and are aiming to compete for the NEET examination to secure admission to various medical institutes across the country.
The objective of the programme is to encourage potential students to develop a spirit of competitiveness, increase the number of students who clear NEET examination and provide opportunities for underprivileged students of the state, especially from rural areas, to access coaching facilities for the aforesaid examination.