The original ‘Master Blaster’ of world cricket, Sir Vivian Richards, is on to a new role — batting for the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine, which is part of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), as its brand ambassador.
Richards, who is on a visit to the city as part of his ‘Made for Medicine’ tour to India, believes the university presents an opportunity to experience Antiguan tourism. “There can’t be a better combination of academics and tourism than this for anyone wanting to study where we live,” he asserted. “I am here to give an indication of how vibrant as people we are. We do have some things in common — like cricket. I am just happy to be here in India,” the cricketing great said.
India at the top
Making comparisons about cricketing standards of India and the West Indies, he added, “No doubt, once upon a time we were a great cricket team. Now, India have taken over that role,” he said.
The university offers special scholarships to Indian students based on merit and in-campus housing which not many local educational institutions can boast of, Sir Viv said.
“Interestingly, the maximum number of students being enrolled in the last two years are from Telangana, particularly from Hyderabad,” said Sir Viv with a big smile.
Manipal CEO S. Vaitheeswaran said the university was established in response to the shortage of opportunities and intense competition for quality medical education around the world.
“In India, there is one medical seat for every 15,000 aspirants. AUA’s degree is equivalent to one from any medical college in mainland U.S.A.,” Mr. Vaitheeswaran said.
Published - December 17, 2018 11:57 pm IST
