Rhythms
Just like the others before them, the recipient had great words for their host and shared their views about studying and living in India and the difference it has made in their lives. Nizla, the young achiever form Sri Lanka gave an inspiring acceptance speech while that of Kelvin Sylvester Clark who could not make the long haul from Guyana where he is currently working as a structural engineer was read on his behalf at the
Good evening,
The guests gathered here... “I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever the door closes, I hope
one more opens Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance And when you get the choice, to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance!” Leann Womack
That sums up the decision I made when ICCR offered me the scholarship to study in Bangalore. I would have stayed back in Sri Lanka, sat in my comfort zone surrounded by my family.
Instead, I chose to dance, take that leap of faith and move to an alien country filled with unknown adventures.
It turned out to be the best of my three years ever and one that I will cherish always.
As I stand here before you to accept this award, there are many people out there I would like to thank. Ravi Mamaa whom I have come to know better during the last few days. He has done an awesome job helping bewildered foreign students find their footing in India.
The Government of India and ICCR for being the guardian here and watching over us, giving us the strength and support we needed to excel. My parents and family for trusting my judgment and supporting me with love from across the sea.
And my friends whose vote of confidence every semester helped me feel like I can succeed even when I was too frustrated after some papers. They were my family here and offered me their protection.
Life as international student here is not easy. There are legalities and limitations and you sometimes feel alone in a strange and unfamiliar land.
But if you come into this experience with a heart open to adventure and a mind forgiving to a fault, studying in India can be a life changing experience as I learnt it was.
There was something magical when I lived here. College and classes combined with coffee and coriander, cheese masala dosas, Bollywood movies and shopping at Commercial Street. I made the best of friends and found mentors. I learnt business management and how to make sambar. I learnt how to take care of myself but at the same time ask for help when I needed it. Most importantly, I learnt to live.
And even though this award recognizes my academics, my biggest achievement is that I learnt to become a better human being.
I must confess that I have fallen in love with the country. It was a mutual thing. You welcomed me with open arms and I found much to please.
Thank you so much. As a foreigner, let me tell you that your country is beautiful, vibrant and full of life. I relished it.
I am blessed and humbled to receive this award. I wish the current batch of international students all the best.
I leave you with the same advice. “When you get a choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
Thank you.
Good Evening,
Distinguished guests and my fellow students...
I, Kelvin Sylvester Clarke, am honoured to have received the Kanthula Prize 2007-08 in the category of ICCR Masters Degree.
I pursued my Master of Technology degree in Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka located in Mangalore.
I was fortunate to receive a government of India scholarship to further my studies at a well-known institute. The experiences in India, especially in Mangalore, are memorable. The well-experienced lecturers at the institute as well as the facilities provided made the learning process very interesting. The hospitality of the people in Mangalore is commendable. They were helpful and friendly.
I am grateful to ICCR, Bangalore especially to the Director, Dr. J.W. Lobo and the Programme Officer, Mr. P. Venugopal for their continuous support and guidance through out my Programme and stay in Mangalore.
Additionally, I am thankful to the members and trustees of the Kanthula Foundation for awarding me the Kanthula Award for the Master’s degree.
I am presently working in a government organisation in Guyana and plan to pursue a doctorate in Civil Engineering.
At this point, I will like to encourage all the students to be focused in their goals when they come to a new country to pursue their studies. The key is determination.
I thank all the faculties of the National Institute of Technology, ICCR and my family for their continuous support, the Kanthula Foundation and my friends.
Thank you...
