20-year-old Thabo Nyambe from Zambia, Africa, who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the Rabindranath Tagore University in Bhopal, shares her experience of studying in India’s first skills university.
As an international student at the Rabindranath Tagore University (RNTU), I feel privileged to be a part of this exceptional institute. Being here has helped me grow for the better and it has been an immersive experience.
I have always been fascinated by different cultures, practices and lifestyles followed around the world. I wanted to move out of my native country to pursue my education as a form of learning about my subject and other cultural scenarios of that country. My interest in learning about societies drove me to opt for Sociology as the primary subject of my undergraduate degree.
Back in Zambia, I have noticed that there are various inequalities that exist in our society. The mindset of people that drives them towards discriminating against others has always bothered me. I have invariably found myself drawn towards bringing about a change in the system and I wish to create an inclusive society where people respect each other irrespective of their gender, race, nationality, religion and all such differentiators. I am particularly inclined towards spreading awareness around disability and the appropriate behaviour people must exhibit while they are around disabled people.
Pursuing Sociology from RNTU has helped me understand the structures that operate in society and how we can reform and restructure the existing norms for the welfare of society. After my graduation, I wish to go back to my country with all the necessary skills and knowledge to understand the working of the system and to contribute in the process of bringing about a revolution in the society.
Moving to India and being a student at RNTU has been an insightful experience. I have been able to learn, grow and form great bonds with my teachers and peers. There were also a few challenges that I faced when I moved to India. One of the major issues that I encountered was the language barrier. Initially, it was difficult for me to understand and grab concepts in class. My teachers, however, left no stone unturned in helping me out and enabling me to understand the modules. I hold them up in high regard because of the efforts they put in to help me out.
I also had a hard time catching up with the informal communication that takes place in Hindi. Since my language in Africa is completely different, I continue to get a bit confused at times. The people however have been extremely helpful and welcoming. The cultural shows and festivals that are organized here at RNTU provide for a great bonding experience with friends. I also get a chance to enjoy the folk dances and performances from different regions of India, which is very enriching. I absolutely love being a part of the happy crowd and it is very refreshing to witness the campus light up with all the decorations and the colors during college festivals.
I am really proud of being a student of RNTU as it is ranked among the top 200 universities of India. Everything from the infrastructure to the facilities offered here are world-class. What attracts me about the university environment, even more, is its location, which is in a quiet place between two hills, full of greenery. It is a place where one can enjoy a scenic landscape and a tranquil environment. Being so close to nature also helps me direct all my energy towards my studies. I can always find a peaceful corner to sit down and immerse myself in the books.
With the knowledge that I have acquired here, I hope to be able to contribute to the making of a society where people are kind to each other, and everyone is respected. I love humanity a lot and with the power of education, I aim to do something positive for humanity.