“I am amazed by the discoveries of Russian scientists. This is the home to people who change the world for the better”: Priyamsha Lakhana, RUDN medical student from India

What did you want to become as a child?

Since childhood, I have been interested in everything related to science and experiments. I loved biology, physics and chemistry classes. And I always wanted to understand how to use knowledge to help people. I also asked existential, like “Who are we? What are we? Why do we exist?” I chose medicine partly because I wanted to understand the Universe through the human body.

Why did you choose to study in Russia?

Every time I looked at the world map, Russia always attracted my attention. While learning more about it, I realized that I wanted to study there. I am impressed by all the scientific achievements and discoveries made by Russian scientists. History shows that this is the home to smart and insightful scientists and public figures, who change the world for the better. I also love Russia for its rich culture.

Is there anything that concerns you?

 

The weather here is a bit harsh and unpredictable. But I’ve been here for 5 years now—I’m used to the unexpected.

What is Moscow lacking?

Spices, seasonings, bright tastes and aromas. I miss Indian cuisine.

What about your loved ones?

Thanks to the Internet, we always stay in touch, but connection like that is not always enough. We have a family ritual. When I return home, I always spend the first day with my family. My mother and I cook food, go to church, and catch up on what has been happening. Family is a great strength. Without them, it’s unlikely anything would have happened.

Name three dishes that you like most in Russia...

I’m a vegetarian, but even in Moscow there are things that are hard to turn down, such as vegetarian borscht without meat, vareniki with potatoes and mushrooms, and zefir (Russian analogue of marshmallow)./p>

They say medical school is hard. Is it worth it?

 

In medical school, studying is more than memorizing textbooks and formulas. Doctor devote themselves to their profession, challenges bringing happiness. The first semester was very difficult and brought new words and terms, a lot to be understood and learnt. But now I know it was worth it.

Which field would you like to work in?

I haven’t decided yet, but probably something related to the functioning of the brain and the gastrointestinal tract system. What I definitely can’t imagine my future work without science! I enjoy developing hypotheses, conducting research, and integrating the results into scientific practice. Without science, it is difficult to achieve breakthroughs in medicine.

Why did you decide to participate in Digital Innopolis Days at the BRICS International Youth Forum?

I was offered to speak at the forum by the Institute medical. It seemed to me that the forum was a great place to discuss the healthcare crisis and developing medical technologies, including telemedicine.

What do you remember about your trip to the summit in Kazan and Innopolis?

It was my first time in the capital of Tatarstan, the city impressed me. We visited the Kazan Kremlin, the Kul-Sharif mosque, and walked along Bauman Street. We also tried the national sweet — chak-chak. It is very tasty!

Innopolis will remain in memory as the most technologically advanced and innovative city. Self-driving cars move along the streets, and robots deliver orders and food. Innopolis is a city in which the future has already come.

How do you spend your free time?

I watch films, listen to music and write poetry. I also love taking care of my plants.

How long have you been gardening?

Since childhood. Now in my mini-garden there is mint, chlorophytum, crassula, coleus and others.

What does being a doctor mean to you?

 

In my country, doctors are called gods because they work with the most precious thing in the world — human life. Being a doctor is about courage, bravery, compassion, hard work and honesty. They lend a helping hand to patients who do not know what hurts their body.

The interview was conducted by Polina Korovkina, student of the Faculty of Philology (“Journalism”, 1st year).

Photo: Digital Innopolis Days.