Scholars sing the praises of the Vijay scholarship |24 October 2014

Apart from being successful Seychellois citizens what do Barry Nourrice, Daniel Dodin and Gary Woodcock have in common? The answer is that they have all benefited from a scholarship scheme designed to help young Seychellois study to degree level in India.

Additionally a significant number of other young Seychellois men and women have been helped through the Vijay Scholarship scheme and have subsequently returned to Seychelles wiser, better qualified and ready to contribute what they have learned and experienced to the further development of the country.
The Vijay Scholarship scheme is currently in its eighth year of operation.

Barry Nourrice has just completed a Master in Soil Science from Aberdeen University and will shortly commence Doctorate (PhD) studies with the same university, but his admission on the Masters programme was secured by his first degree, a BSc in Agricultural Science at Tamil Nadu University in India, where he was supported by the Vijay Scholarship programme. In fact Barry was the very first Seychellois to benefit from the scheme in 2006 and is quick to recall the significance of his time in India:

“It was the stepping stone for me to launch my career and earn a better living for my family. The Vijay Scholarship added a new dimension to my life, allowing me to express my full potential and push myself to the limit. Upon my return to Seychelles I was able to work with greater confidence at the soil and plant diagnostic laboratory, addressing farmers' problems and taking management responsibility for a laboratory which is now the best of its kind that has ever been in operation in Seychelles.”

Barry is a big fan of India as a country. “I believe that India is an incredible place to study, with a diversity so vast it makes you want to go back to experience it over and over again. For me India remains one of my best experiences.”
He also has a great deal of praise for the Indian education system: “Indian scientists possess some of the best brains in the world,” he said, “and this is a reflection of a good education system. With support from the Vijay Scholarship a person has a great opportunity to get the best out of this system.

Personally I can say that the workload was very heavy at TNAU but that's university life. One must be prepared to study hard and deliver to the expectation.”
Daniel Dodin graduated with a Bachelor degree in Visual Arts two years ago and today recognises that gaining this qualification was instrumental in obtaining employment at the School of Visual Arts upon his return to Seychelles. “I am proud to say that this qualification and the higher level of skills which I acquired in India have enabled me to fulfil my dream as a teacher and artist,” Daniel said.

He is also an admirer of India: “India is a country which offers diverse life experiences; the culture is very different from our Seychelles culture and initially I found the diet, communication and transport very challenging, however Indian people are so friendly – I made many friends who helped me and guided me. They made me feel welcome and comfortable and with their support I was able to discover so many positive sides of their country and culture. We shared so much, even though we were from totally different backgrounds.”

Gary Woodcock left Seychelles last year with a Certificate in Nursing. Today he has a pre-University degree in Commerce and is studying for a Post Basic B.Sc in Nursing. Gary told us that he plans to return to Seychelles after his graduation and work for the country as a nurse, probably in operating theatres. But Gary's experience has been unique in the eight-year history of the Vijay programme, because he liked India so much that he decided to bring his family to live with him while completing his studies. “India really is a land of opportunity for those who want to make good use of it,” he said. “My family joined me here earlier this year following constant advice and support from Mr. V. J. Patel. My children, aged 4 and 5, are benefiting from the Indian education system, as I am.”

Gary recalls the academic challenges when he first began his studies: “I was the eldest student in my class yet I finished third in the final examinations.
 
The most memorable moment was when the principal stated publicly that 'Gary has done it, and done it in style'. I was shocked but so happy that my hard work had brought such a result. The principal continued to say that I have proven wrong those who say that fulfilling your dreams is impossible.”

The Vijay Construction Scholarship scheme is the creation of Mr V. J. Patel, the company's founder, and a person well known for his support of education in Seychelles and India. Mr Patel is also a passionate supporter of sport in the country, having contributed to the recent construction of a sports facility and swimming pool on Praslin. However it is education that provides the focus for much of Mr Patel's philanthropy. In addition to the University Scholarship programme he established the first international school on Praslin, an institution which bears his company's name. When asked about the origin of his interest in education Mr Patel referred to his own childhood, when education provided the opportunity for him to succeed at school and, through hard work, qualify as an engineer before eventually forming his own construction company. “In a way it is about putting something back into the community and helping others take advantage of what education can offer,” he said. “Education is the key; regardless of your background and family circumstances education can make a difference; with hard work it can lift you up and totally change your life.”

The programme provides substantial financial support for young Seychellois who wish to follow undergraduate courses at excellent Indian universities. Since all courses are taught in English students find the transition comfortable academically, however the cultural differences between Seychelles and India can be initially quite overwhelming.

“At first some students find the cultural adjustment difficult,” commented Mr Patel. “Firstly there is just the sheer number of people in Indian cities, and then there is the pace of life. All of this is happening at a time when the student is missing home and family, but once they have settled in the vast majority grow to love India and what the country can offer.”

Mr Patel encouraged young Seychellois with A-level qualifications to consider applying for a place on the programme. “We promote the programme in April or May of each year, mainly through the press. If you miss the advertisements however you can simply contact Vijay Construction directly at that time of year for full details of the scheme,” he said.

Gary Woodcock, Daniel Dodin and Barry Nourrice also urged their fellow Seychellois to apply. Barry stated that “the Vijay Scholarship is behind all of my achievements. I encourage everyone to consider it and realise that the sky really is the limit”.

Daniel stated that “to any young Seychellois considering applying I would say that this is a unique opportunity that can bring success, unforgettable memories and many positive changes into your life”.

Gary describes the scheme as offering a “once in a lifetime opportunity” and went on to say; “I have never regretted the step I took last year and I would urge others to open the door to a better future and live their dreams”.

Contributed