‘Apeejay Nerul gives you so many options to excel in’

Ms Veena Venugopal is a dentist by profession. Currently residing in Bangalore, she is stepping into clinical research after years of successful practice in Nerul. Catching her in a quick informal interview, we learn about the moment when she realised medicine was her calling and the role Apeejay School, Nerul played in the same.  Read edited excerpts:

Veena, tell us a bit about your school years?

Apeejay Nerul is my second home. I studied there from Nursery till class 10 and it has been a very happy journey. I remember my school days way more when compared to graduation or any other phase of my life. I had joined in the initial years of the school too. I think I might have been a part of the second batch of students i.e. in 1987.

What were your favourite subjects?

I loved languages a lot. So, I liked English and Hindi clearly and then of course there was Science, my most favourite.

Were you active in extracurricular activities?

I love painting and I explored this passion a lot at school. I was sent for many inter school competitions and I managed to win many as well. I also loved singing. I was motivated in this direction a lot by my school. 

Did the teachers guide you well?

The teachers were nothing short of excellent. They were ever encouraging to us, be it in academics or beyond. I have so many favourite teachers and I wish to thank all of them. However, I would like to thank the following mentors the most: Shalkuntala ma’am, my biology teacher and also the class teacher in 10th grade, Ms Tultul Roy for Hindi and Ms Nair for History.

When was it that you decided to become a dentist?

I always had an inkling to help others, serve the world and most importantly help reduce someone’s pain. I had great science teachers at school, so my interest grew manifold in this discipline. I understood the subject easily in class 9 and 10. I decided with certainty during this phase that I would join medicine.

What value must every dentist always keep in mind?

Understanding the patient’s perspective. To make the patient comfortable is the first thing, only then the treatment works.  

Finally, one advice to a current student at Apeejay Nerul?

The school gives you every option to grow, be it academics or extracurriculars or sports. The school provides the latest infrastructure for sports now. There is a focus on all round improvement. So, my advice is to capitalise on building yourself.