The School of Public Health, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, hosted an engaging guest talk by Dr. M.R. Seetharam, Orthopedic Surgeon, Public Health Practitioner, and Founding Member of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) on 24th September 2026. Addressing the newly joined BPH and MPH students, Dr. Seetharam shared reflections from his personal and professional journey, offering students a glimpse into the diverse possibilities that a career in public health can offer. The session encouraged students to look beyond the conventional boundaries of healthcare and understand public health as a field rooted in people, communities, equity, participation and social responsibility. Key reflections from the session - Understanding public health beyond hospitals and clinical care - Connecting clinical knowledge with community needs - Learning with communities rather than simply working for communities - Exploring diverse career pathways in public health - Building sustainable change through participation, equity and empowerment With 58 MPH and 13 BPH students participating, the session provided an inspiring opportunity for the new cohort to connect classroom learning with decades of real-world experience in community development and public health practice. A meaningful beginning to their journey in public health — from learning about health systems to understanding the people and communities behind them.