Ambassador A. Martirosyan Participated in Forum of Russian and Erstwhile USSR Medical Graduates of India - 2015

05 November, 2015

On November 5, All India Foreign Medical Graduates Association jointly with the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in New Delhi organized the Forum of Russian and Erstwhile USSR Medical Graduates of India - 2015. Shri M.Karpaga Vinayagam, Honorable Former Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court (Rtd), Dr. M.Thambi Durai, Honorable Deputy Speaker of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Tarun Vijay, MP (Rajya Sabha) and the Ambassadors of Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Armenia were the Chief Guests at the event. The representatives of several Russian medical universities, where Indian students have studied, were among invitees of the forum. Ambassador Armen Martirosyan delivered a speech.

Ambassador A. Martirosyan's speech is presented below:

"Armenia and India traditionally share a long history of friendship and partnership. The field of medicine and medical education carries special significance in our bilateral cooperation. Most probably few of you know that Armenian physicians played an important role in the Indian public healthcare system since the 18th century. The first Armenian, Dr. Joseph of Madras, joined the Indian Medical Service in 1852 and rose to the rank of Deputy Surgeon General of India. According to the historian Mesrob Jacob Seth, who in 1895 wrote a book History of the Armenians in India from the earliest times to the present day, in 1850s six Armenian doctors served in the Indian medical Service and a few Armenian physicians had a private practices all across India.

Without being overmodest let me tell you that I’m very proud that modern Armenia also has been contributing to the healthcare system of India through the training of medical doctors at the Yerevan State Medical University for the past decades.

This university is one of the leading medical educational institutions in Eastern Europe established in 1930. It has commenced the education of international students in 1957 and since then students from more than 30 countries, namely India, USA, France, Iran, Syria, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and many more have graduated from the University. The first batch of Indian students entered the medical university in 1987 in the framework of intergovernmental agreement concluded between the former Soviet Union and India. More than 1800 Indian students have graduated from YSMU till date. Today more than 800 international students are at advantage to pursue their graduate and post-graduate studies in YSMU, including students from India. The University provides all the necessary facilities for learning and leisure of international students. To address the needs of increasing number of applicants from various countries, very recently a new building for a dormitory was placed at the university’s disposal by the decision of the government.

I cannot but mention today that the title of Honorary Doctor of Yerevan State Medical University has been conferred on then Vice-President of India Mr. Singh Shekhawat during his visit to Armenia in October 2005.

In parallel to their studies in Armenia, the Indian students through the enrichment of the cultural fabric of Armenian society carry out also a civilizational mission. Indian National holidays and festivals are celebrated with fervor every year. The students, jointly with the Embassy of India in Yerevan, organize various cultural events raising the awareness about Indian culture in Armenia. Thus, on June 21st, this partnership helped to observe an International Yoga Day in Yerevan and further promote this valuable legacy of Indian civilization in our country.

To tell you truth, the above mentioned cold statistics does not reproduce the complete reality. Although the embassy does not track down the data on mixed marriages, but it’s well known that many male Indian students through the marriages with the best Armenian female students lay down the foundations of their family happiness in Armenia. After completion of their studies they return to India not only equipped with the competitive knowledge but also with their beloved ones. My appeal: love your Armenian wives tenderly, take care of them, cherish them."

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