Sugreev Muralidharan, Diploma in Agriculture
Sugreev wants to contribute to the development of the poor and unemployed people in his village in Tamil Nadu in South India when he finishes his Diploma in Agriculture at Lincoln University
“I want to create new opportunities for them and be a small step for our national growth.
“I strongly believe in the 'live and let live' philosophy and villages are the future of our country as said by MK Gandhi (father of our nation).”
He said the course had made him think practically about how to become a successful farmer. “Lincoln University is best in Agriculture Studies,” he added. People were also very friendly, which he liked. “Given that it's an agricultural-based university, most students are off farms from across New Zealand. Each student has a laid-back, good fun attitude – making the typical Lincoln student great value. Clubs and committees have also been a great way to meet new people.”
The practical study aspect of the course appealed to Sugreev, where the students are allowed to work on two different kinds of farms for at least 44 weeks.
“I need to work practically hands-on in a farm to understand the principles and the implementation of the modern technologies. I work on a dairy farm and stay there too.
“New Zealand has 25,000 dairy farms. For me, it was easy to find a part-time job, since I had seven years of experience in dairy farming in India.
"My passion is to work on a dairy farm to get hands on experience about the technology they use."
Another bonus was that international students could study at Lincoln University and transfer credit back to their degree at home.
And there was the country itself. “I've spent most weekends out exploring my new home with mates and the scenery has been unreal. You are never more than 30 minutes away from a place that will make your jaw drop.”