More than 300 Indian students preparing for MBBS degrees in Russia received a warm send-off at Sobraniye 2025, a pre-departure ceremony organized by Rus Education. The event, attended by dignitaries, parents, and students, was filled with both pride and emotion as families prepared to see their children embark on a six- to seven-year journey abroad to study medicine.

For many parents, this was the first public moment of letting go. They felt pride in their children’s academic achievements, along with the natural sadness of separation. Russia has been a popular choice for Indian students seeking medical education, as its universities offer programs recognized worldwide. However, in recent years, the focus for students and their families has shifted to the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). This licensure test, conducted by India’s National Board of Examinations (NBE), must be cleared to practice medicine in India after studying abroad.

Air Marshal (Dr) Pawan Kapoor (Retd), vice chairman of Rus Education, spoke to the gathering with words of encouragement. He urged students to embrace the opportunity responsibly. “Become independent, become good individuals, and come back as good and effective doctors. Use the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally,” he said. He emphasized that their years in Russia should be a time for both academic progress and personal growth.

A key theme throughout the ceremony was the path back to clinical practice in India and the importance of preparing early for the FMGE. Dr. Vanita Mittal, general manager of Academics at Max Institute of Medical Excellence, Max Health Care, discussed the importance of building a strong foundation during the MBBS course. She warned students not to delay exam preparation until the final semester and stressed that success in the FMGE requires consistent effort from the start.

“There is a lack of doctors everywhere, and the world needs skilled and dedicated doctors,” she said. “Every country has its own rules, and India requires students to clear the FMGE. The preparation for this exam is challenging and should not start in the final semester. Do not postpone FMGE preparation until the sixth semester. The FMGE tests the knowledge acquired by students throughout the MBBS course. Build your skills, and if your foundation is strong, you will pass the FMGE on the first attempt.”

The event also highlighted the dual responsibility of students: to fulfill their ambitions and stay committed to the profession’s broader responsibilities. Speakers emphasized the importance of dedication, clinical skills, and flexibility. Elena Barman, president of the Indian Association of Russian Compatriots, highlighted the value of cultural exchanges between India and Russia while wishing the departing students well. Senior clinicians from medical institutions advised students to focus on early clinical exposure, language learning, and using available online resources for academic and professional support.

Adding a personal perspective, Dr. Priyansh Jain, a medical lecturer and faculty member for NEET-PG and FMGE, shared his experiences as a medical student in Russia. He talked about campus life, the challenges and joys of adapting to a new environment, and the importance of perseverance. “Time will fly, but you must enjoy your journey, whether it’s tough or smooth,” he said. “Stay focused on your goal and remember that your family is waiting for you at home.” His message captured the optimism and realism needed for students preparing for years of study abroad.

The ceremony included several distinguished guests who inspired the audience with their insights. Among them were Lt Gen Bipin Puri (Retd), director of Medical Services (North Zone) at Apollo Group of Hospitals; Remizova Elena Sergeevna, director of Russian House; Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, medical director at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad; and Rohit Mishra, dean and chief academic officer at Lincoln American University. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the importance of guiding young students about the responsibilities that come with a medical career.

The event was more than a formal farewell. It was also an educational platform where students received practical advice about their academic paths, clinical training, and future licensing exams. Parents, while emotional, found reassurance in the words of experts and former students that the challenges ahead can be managed with discipline and focus. The ceremony also reflected the long-standing ties between India and Russia in education, particularly in medicine, where thousands of Indian students have graduated from Russian universities over the decades.

As the event concluded, the mood was one of celebration and reflection. Students left not only with the blessings of their parents and teachers but also with a clearer understanding of the journey ahead. For these young aspirants, Sobraniye 2025 marked the start of a new chapter in their academic and personal lives, one filled with both challenges and opportunities. The advice shared by mentors and doctors during the send-off served as a reminder that success in medicine requires knowledge, perseverance, compassion, and commitment to service.

For the families present, the event represented an important milestone—an evening that symbolized pride in their children’s choices and hopes for their future. As the students prepare to begin their studies in Russia, the guidance shared at Sobraniye 2025 will likely serve as a touchstone throughout their training, reminding them of the responsibility they carry as future doctors and representatives of their country abroad.