Contact
Mr. Karthikeyan Mayandi
- Degree
- 2nd year of doctoral Course, Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST)
Message
Please give a short introduction of yourself.
I am Karthikeyan, doing Ph.D in NAIST at the school of bio-sciences under the supervision of Prof. Masaaki Umeda. And my research is focused on Plant DNA damage response.
What is your favorite thing about NARA (IKOMA)?
The thing, I like about Nara is, it’s richness in historic monuments. And the kind of calmness I get to experience while walking around the city is very soothing. Since Ikoma is a small town, Its perfect to keep my focus on my studies. At the same time, because of it’s closeness to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe, I could enjoy my weekends by exploring those ultra mega cities. So for me the best thing about Ikoma is it’s location.
In what way has your impression of NARA (IKOMA) or Japan changed since coming here?
I always thought Japanese people are so focused on work and they don’t enjoy other parts of life. But I have realized during my stay here, that they do enjoy life. I am also kind of surprised with the extreme politeness I have experienced here. That made me think many times, that I should try to be much more polite.
What attracted you to choose NAIST as a place to study?
I have got to know about NAIST from one of my colleague in my previous institute in India. She has done her Ph.D. From Tokyo university. When I have got short listed for MEXT fellowship, she told me about NAIST, and when I checked the web page of bio-school, I found that I have known some of the professors through their work already. And also I liked the research being carried out in Bio-school. So It didn’t take much of convincing for me to choose NAIST.
In what way did you adjust yourself to Japanese culture?
I have adjusted myself in many ways. I am trying to be polite and punctual. I try to be orderly at work.
Please give a message to students or researchers in your home country who may be thinking about studying in Japan?
Japan is a country of beautiful people and places. By opting to study here, you will get to experience the both. Japan has rich traditions and at the same time very modern in every aspect of life. Same could be said of it’s educational institutes. It has to be experienced to believe. So if you have any chance to study here, I would like to advise you to choose Japan without any hesitation, and good luck with your future.