The first time I stepped into the M.I.T. campus, I was dazzled and realised why Manipal Academy of Higher Education ranks in the ‘Forbes’ Magazine. I experienced a sudden boost of life and I observed the true beauty of the place. Being a sports enthusiast I found Marena the best sports complex I had seen in my life. Well-built boys and girls using latest gym equipment were found to practise with intense passion. Manipal is covered in greenery with no signs of pollution. I had never seen such heavy rainfall; the sight of friends walking hands in hands and hands on shoulders without caring much about others and laughing and joking among themselves proved a great sight.
The infrastructure of the campus is of world standards both in the terms of quality and quantity. The Tenth block is the second largest hostel block in Asia. The large, spacious, well-ventilated hostel rooms are comparable to multi star hotel rooms. The hockey, football and cricket grounds are enormous. I always saw dribbling basketballs in the two basketball courts. Moreover, the Food Court in the shape of a resting book is a resort for activities and not just an air-conditioned dome where people routinely go for eating. The classes, the library, laboratories and the workshops are intricately built over a large space.
Several M.I.T. professors have proved their mettle internationally also through their projects, research conferences etc. Several students are following in the footsteps of their ‘Gurus’. The college grants ‘Freeships’ to the deserving students. The syllabus is at par with the standards of the top Engineering Colleges in India. An equivalent faculty of well-trained, technically sound and amiable professors is there to guide the students in their studies. College also funds several student projects and encourages them to set up technical.
However, the achievements of this college are not just limited to academics. College honours young business ideas and promotes entrepreneurship. Students coming up with bright business ideas are funded by the college and start-up companies are established. Many such companies are already set up and most of them are on the verge of establishing themselves in the international business world.
Life in Manipal seemed eventful and exciting. Many a time I saw several students carrying guitars over their shoulders and jamming beautiful songs. Debates, quizzes, dance and singing competitions and technical competitions are held throughout the semester. Students hailing not only from the different cities but also from different countries study in the college. I recalled my friend’s remark that the culture of Manipal is slightly different from other colleges. There are different clubs which offer tours to the foreign lands. Some of them also provide paid internships- technical and non-technical. Moreover excursions to the hills, water-falls and beaches are arranged throughout the semester.
Finally I realised that Manipal Academy of Higher Education not only trains better engineers with technically sound skills but also global citizens with a passion to live lively.