Though a nurse by profession, she did not want to be attached to any one particular hospital and preferred working for voluntary organisations that needed help. “In Holland, I worked for mentally ill men, women and children and I wanted to do the same in India,” she says. “In my six-month term in India, I’d like to do as much work as possible for the people here.”

Originally from Somalia, Ms. Samanter wants to dedicate her life to the cause of the underprivileged.

“I have worked with people infected with HIV/AIDS, women who have had to deal with complicated pregnancies and men and women with mental disabilities. The satisfaction one derives out of helping the less fortunate is inexplicable,” she says.

There are millions of children who are born with conditions such as Downs’ Syndrome and an equal number of older population suffering from dementia. “Since I have a degree in general nursing, I want to make the best use of my skills for the benefit of humanity,” she says.

She plans to travel to various parts of the world to gain experience in social work. However, her ultimate aim is to become a psychiatrist.

“Back in Holland, I’ve assisted psychiatrists in their clinics and have seen the way they treat patients. The human element is almost absent,” she laments. “Medicines are not enough. The doctor should understand the patient and there should be a bond between them,” she adds.

On her way back to Holland, she hopes to take back with her untainted satisfaction and lots of memories of India to cherish.

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