The conclusion of one chapter is just the beginning of another...
As I concluded my research internship at PHRII and packed up my belongings, I couldn't help but feel a little sad to be reaching the end of a wonderful journey. My time in Mysore had been nothing but great, and I learned and gained so much exposure to the world of public health as a whole.
Despite having grown up in Bangalore for most of my life, I saw a different side of India that I hadn't seen before—one that has been traditionally neglected and underrepresented. It was truly fascinating and moving to see how PHRII is closing the healthcare gap by providing equal resources to rural Indian communities, and using evidence-based methods to shed light on issues affecting those of limited means.
Additionally, the field site visits and interactions with local communities offered me a valuable perspective on what truly matters. Despite their limited resources and numerous challenges, many rural, underprivileged individuals were generous and welcoming, contributing whatever they could to support the research being conducted at PHRII.
"Despite having grown up in Bangalore for most of my life, I saw a different side of India that I hadn't seen before—one that has been traditionally neglected and underrepresented."
One such instance that comes to mind was when we went to collect survey responses for the gender-based violence (GBV) study and it started to rain. Instead of leaving us out to get drenched, a family invited us into their home and offered some seating. They took pleasure in being great hosts and were very helpful in assisting us with finding the residents we needed. In retrospect, it is sometimes rare to find this sort of kindness in urban communities.
I also felt that I got everything I wanted during my time here at PHRII, which was to learn more about women's health in rural India. By engaging with the gender-based violence (GBV) study, HPV/cervical cancer mobile clinics, and Ms. Kavitha's research on the intersection between UTIs and diabetes in Indian women, I obtained a hands-on understanding of the severity of issues impacting this population.
As Dr. Devanshi Somaiya, an obstetrician gynecologist and board member of PHRII, once said: what happens in Vegas, doesn't stay in Vegas. And what happens in India, doesn't stay in India. The problems that rural Indian women face may seem insignificant at a global stage, but they do have broader implications.
Ensuring that they are treated as equal citizens and have access to proper healthcare not only strengthens India as a nation but also enhances its role in global economic and health initiatives. By addressing these needs, India contributes to global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality, poverty reduction, and education. Thus, this holistic improvement supports both national progress and international efforts towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
"What happens in Vegas, doesn't stay in Vegas. And what happens in India, doesn't stay in India."
Overall, this experience has been profoundly rewarding, providing me with a clear sense of direction for the kind of positive change I want to contribute to in improving humanity. Effective change often starts with thorough research and education. By raising awareness about the challenges women face and fostering a willingness to address these issues, we increase the likelihood of making meaningful progress.
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