Pics: Aishwarya Beejady
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (PS/SB)

Kundapur, Mar 1: Weeklong stay by students from an offshore destination, South Korea at Kodi village known for its educational centres, while captivating villagers also left indelible mark through voluntary service. For the noble gesture, the students from Seoul Women University had chosen Shree Rama Vidya Kendra known to provide free education in the district.

The ‘shramadan’ programme was organized under the joint aegis of SFL India and Korea UNESCO which also included various cultural activities. Lucy, Quang Min, Subin, Beyang, Harry, Huen, Jinha, Jayan,
Suyen, Anajang of South Korea and Olga of Russia were the enthusiastic particpants. The students also utilized the opportunity to go for an excursion to savour the glory of religious and tourist places.

The foreign lasses who were seen involved in meticulously collecting litters at the playground and also cleaning the classrooms of the school collectively said that they admired the lifestyle of Indians
and overwhelmed with excitement seeing the cultural unity in diversity existing here. “We had a different notion about this country before arriving here, but now we have realized how wrong we were,” said Lucy
of South Korea and Olga of Russia who are journalism students.

Difference Between Journalism Field in Russia and India - Olga's View

Olga, who is a journalism student of a government college in Russia said that Russian journalism is under the strong clutches of capitalists which is a threat to the social equality. My grandfather, father and mother are all journalists. This naturally made me choose journalism. Yet I would like to say that Russian press does not enjoy the freedom as in India. Newspapers only show interest in the rich and lavish with the journalists and common man lacking freedom to voice against social inequalities, she said and expressed her happiness over Indian press which is free from all such controls. “It’s really great here” she added.

Further, Olga said, "People in Russia are not hardworking like Indians are. Only fashion and trends have engulfed their minds. There is lot of difference between India and Russia. The democratic system here is
really wonderful, she added.

I Thought India was like Africa, Confesses Lucy

Lucy said that she had in her mind that situation in India resembles that of Africa until she came here. But now I feel this is a developing nation. In South Korea visual media is dominant over print media. But in this country I found that print media too is equally strong.

Joy Carvalo and Dayanand were the co-ordinator of the programme.