Upendra Saumyajit Adhikari: “Belarus has become my second home, and GrSMU – my family”

I'm Upendra Saumyajith Adikari, a Sri Lankan student at the Foreign Faculty, graduating in 2025 and aspiring to become a Psychiatrist.

Arriving in Belarus in 2019, I followed in the footsteps of around 150 Sri Lankan students, becoming part of a community that has since grown into a close-knit family of nearly a thousand in Grodno.

In 2022–2023, I had the honor of serving as President of the Sri Lankan Community, working alongside an incredible team. Together, we endured sleepless nights, organized events, and built unforgettable memories. Every challenge taught me that success, failure, and learning are all part of the journey. Before this, I also served as a batch representative from 2019–2022, further reinforcing my passion for leadership and personal growth. As Group Leader of 5a, I embraced yet another opportunity to support and collaborate with my peers, making every moment in university a meaningful experience.

I have always loved exploring new challenges. Even in my early years, I played archery, competing in the Junior Archery World Cup in 2016— a milestone that instilled discipline, precision, and perseverance. Alongside sports, my passion for videography and cinematography has been a creative way to capture life’s moments, bringing stories to life through visuals.

One of the most meaningful parts of my university life is my group mates—they are like family. Since our first year, we have shared laughter, knowledge, and countless memories together each and every day. Beyond this, I have had the privilege of participating in various university events, embracing every opportunity to engage with students and celebrate the vibrant culture within our community.

Among the highlights of our journey was earning the Grand Prix in the ‘F.Art’ cultural competition in Belarus, a proud victory that showcased the talent and unity of our university’s international students. We also organized Pulse '23, one of the biggest cultural concerts, held alongside the university’s 65th anniversary, filling the stage with performances and unforgettable moments. Another significant milestone was the 75th Sri Lankan Independence Day celebration, the first of its kind in Belarus, which brought together our entire Sri Lankan community in a truly historic event hosted at the university.

We are so lucky to have our rector, vice-rectors, dean, vice-deans, the dean’s office staff, and the International Affairs department, whose kindness and support have made this experience even more special. Our teachers are the best, and we are incredibly grateful for them and also for my beloved parents, our seniors, and everyone who helped me through this journey. The dean and vice-deans of the Foreign Faculty have been truly remarkable, going above and beyond their roles to ensure every student feels supported. Their dedication extends far beyond working hours, as they continuously strive to improve the faculty, uplift students, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Their passion for education and student well-being has shaped the lives of countless students, and I am deeply grateful to have learned under their leadership.

I am planning to pursue psychiatry, driven by a deep desire to help people openly discuss mental health and overcome silent struggles.

Belarus has become my second home, and I will always cherish the lessons, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.

"No one steps into GrSMU and leaves with just a degree—they walk away with a wealth of life experiences that shape their journey forever."

I could write pages about this beautiful university life. If you are a junior planning to study medicine, GrSMU is the best decision you'll ever make.

All hail my beloved alma mater! ❤️