Ethiopian student visits alma mater as Minister

Hyderabad: The greatest triumph for a teacher is not when the student graduates but when the student proves that their learnings are for an eternity. One such proud moment was experienced by Prof Sujathaa Mukiri of English and Foreign Language University (EFLU), Hyderabad on Friday when her student sprang a surprise.

The Ethiopian student, who studied in the university during 2004, came searching for his learning roots. But this is a common feature for students to show up at their alma mater to show gratitude to their teachers. But the student who turned up on Friday is the Communication Minister for Ethiopian government.

For Prof Sujathaa it was happiness beyond words when the Ethiopian minister, Dr Negeri Lencho, called on her. Expressing her happiness, the professor exclaimed it as a proud moment for the University and particularly the Department of Media and Communications. Lencho, who completed his MA in Media and Communication in 2004, visited the college on a mission.

Apart from meeting his professors, the Communication Minister for Ethiopia wanted to establish a Centre for English Language (CELTs) in Ethiopia to encourage students and also invited his teachers to visit Ethiopia. Professor Sujathaa Mukiri exclaimed happiness over her student’s success and remembered his days as a student from the University back in 2004. She said, “It is a proud moment for us at the University.

I still remember his hand-writing and how sincere he was at his work.” Dr Negeri Lencho was the first Student from Ethiopia to study in EFLU, she said. “I was his MA project supervisor and remember his work like it was yesterday. I can only exclaim how proud it makes me to see him at this stage.”

The professor further shared how after his graduation, Lencho became a university teacher, and went ahead to do his fellowship from Andhra University under Prof Bobby Vradhan.

By: PAVANI KODATI