Travelling the Road Not Taken: Dr. CP Anand's Academic Journey in Finland

VISA Report | Episode # 27

Report by: Ms. Meera Hari

Intern, Office of International Programmes

Speaker: Dr CP Anand, Finland

Photos: Dr. Vijay Solomon, Ms. Meera, Dr. Rufus

“The Road Not Taken” was the subtle yet powerful message with which Dr CP Anand began his talk at the 27th edition and the first VISA session of this academic year. Dr Anand completed his B.Sc. Chemistry at Madras Christian College (2015-2018), went on to pursue his M.Sc. in Chemistry at University of Eastern Finland, and recently earned his Ph.D. in Physics from University of Oulu.

On 1 July 2026, the session was held via Zoom and commenced with an introduction by the master of ceremony, Ms Meera Hari, followed by the college prayer by Ms Yogitha, interns at the Office of International Programmes.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes, who warmly welcomed everyone and spoke about the programmes offered by the IP Office.

The first VISA programme of this academic year was inaugurated by our respected Principal and Secretary, Dr Paul Wilson, who recalled encouraging the guest speaker in his academic ventures abroad and gave an overview of MCC & its legacy in sending students overseas for higher education.

Dr Vijay Solomon, Associate Dean of R&D and Coordinator of the MCC Research Colloquium, introduced the guest speaker of the session.

Dr CP Anand began by speaking about Finland’s commendable education system and his eye-opening experiences there. He highlighted various funding opportunities available for students wishing to pursue higher education abroad, mentioning several useful portals. He also explained how work-visa policies, taxation, and social benefits make Finland an ideal destination in Europe, while briefly sharing insights from his eight-year academic journey in Finland.

He spoke about life at Madras Christian College as a defining chapter of his journey, where he developed valuable skills as a resident of Bishop Heber Hall. These experiences paved the way for him to become part of a debate society in Finland, following which he participated in an international debate competition in Paris.

Pursuing B.Sc. Chemistry at Madras Christian College broadened his academic horizons. He also shared how the NIUS Programme introduced him to the field of computational research in Mumbai before he continued the rest of his academic journey in Finland.

He further spoke about his experience of applying to universities abroad and encouraged students to embrace the joy of travelling and discovering their true passions.

He concluded his session with the quote –

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one”.

Dr CP Anand then answered questions from the participants, moderated by Dr Vijay Solomon. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Meera Hari.

Dr Samuel Rufus, Dean of the Office of International Programmes, formally brought the session to a close.