10.01.2012 14:31

EMA Indian chapter initiative promotional events

Indian chapter of EMA (EMAInd) organized a two-day (19th and 20th December, 2011) promotional event, visiting four different colleges in the southern state of Tamilnadu, India.

Within the district of Kanyakumari, the programme took place in three different towns (Nagerkovil, Marthandam and Atoor). These towns have hardly experienced the rapid wave of information technology visible in urban Indian towns and cities. Thus, the programme was aimed to reach those who find it difficult to access information with regards to higher education opportunities. Hence, the EMAInd team aimed to reach the unreached'. 

EMAInd has always shown responsibility towards the underprivileged through social projects along with promotional events. The initial event was preceded by a social project in which the EMAInd team and Fr. Jan Siska visited an orphanage in Kakum karangal and sponsored a dinner. 
The following members were essential to the programme and present at the events: Ms. Sulabha Karunanidhi (President, EMA Indian chapter), Dr. Vina Vaswani (Secretary, EMA Indian chapter),  Mr. Chetan B Singai (EMA Indian chapter - Representative),  Dr. Jan Siska (Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic)
On day 1, the event to promote and sensitize Erasmus Mundus study programmes at the Scott Christian College was organized by Post Graduate Department of Microbiology in association with Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association Indian Chapter. Following the inauguration by Dr. Jan Siska, Ms. Sulabha K spoke to the audience about the Erasmus Mundus programme and Dr. Vina Vaswani presented a paper on 'Bioethics: trends and issues' and her experiences in Europe. After this thought provoking presentation, Mr. Chetan spoke about his experience of being an Erasmus Mundus student and alumni. The programme concluded with questions from the audience and handing over the Erasmus Mundus promotion material to the college organizing committee. In total 328 students where registered for the programme. 
Similar events took place on the second day at the N.V.K.S.D College of Education Atoor and at Nesamoni memorial Christian college, Marthandam,Tamilnadu, the latter, attended by undergraduate and postgraduate university students. After the presentations of the key speakers, the EMAInd team decided to interact with the audience in small groups for discussion and Q&A. Approximately 700 graduates and postgraduates attended throughout the programme confirming how interesting and well received the promo event was.

Overall, the promotional events were a great success giving students the information and opportunity to apply to the Erasmus Mundus Programme and make a difference.