Launch of UKIERI's Study India Programme

India Unbound

200 young bright students from the UK were in Delhi and Mumbai to understand, learn and experience the various facets of India . This three week programme included cultural and historical excursions, educational visits, entertainment & leisure tours, etc. The UK students also did a week long internship in leading business houses and non profits organisations, thereby getting a first hand experience of the work culture in India .

The programme exhibits the growing belief in India as a major education hub and demonstrates that study programmes that concentrate on Indian culture, society, and language, are becoming a vital new component in the education of British students.

The programme was formally launched in Delhi and Mumbai on 26 August and 1 September respectively.

Launch in Delhi on 26 August

The evening commenced with a welcome address by Charlie Walker, Director Programmes, India and Sri Lanka , British Council. He introduced UKIERI and SIP to the audience which was then followed by an inaugural address by Prof. David Eastwood, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai .

Prof. Deepak Pental, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi also shared his thoughts on UK and India collaboration to deliver the Study India Programme. The evening commenced with a welcome address by Charlie Walker, Director Programmes, India and Sri Lanka , British Council. He introduced UKIERI and SIP to the audience which was then followed by an inaugural address by Prof. David Eastwood, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai . Prof. Deepak Pental, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi also shared his thoughts on UK and India collaboration to deliver the Study India Programme.

The event was attended by over 250 participants from UK & India , including UK students, Indian government, Institutions, Placement providers, Academics and Indian students and media.

Prof David Eastwood, Vice Chancellor, University of Birmingham quotes: “The University of Birmingham is delighted to be coordinating the Delhi Programme. As a responsible University, we are committed to developing young people to be global citizens by providing an internationally relevant curriculum to give students the tools to be competitive in the global employment market. We have been engaging with India over the past 100 years and this Programme marks a new step in the University's ever deepening relationship with the country.”

Prof. Deepak Pental, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi welcomed the students to Delhi University and spoke about the growing relationship between India and UK . “ Delhi University has had a long relationship with Universities in UK and have always been bustling with international students who want to explore India ! We welcome this initiative which gives us an opportunity to share our experiences and our culture and build relationships which will go on!”

Expectations shared by a UK student - “My expectations for the programme are pretty high.  It's something which has been designed to give us an insight into the country, not just a conventional 'tour' which anyone can go on; allowing us to properly learn about India and Delhi while also seeing some of the must-see sights around the city.”

The Rajasthani cultural folk dance performance during the event caught attention of the UK students and added to the gaiety of the evening.

Launch in Mumbai on 1 September

The event kicked off with a breathtaking performance by renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Lata Surinder and her team that left the audience in awe. Over 200 people including 100 UK students selected by Kings College attended.

The keynote speaker, Simon Gammell, Director West India, British Council, addressed the audience and emphasised the importance of SIP and other programmes that gave opportunities to international students to visit India and understand the different aspects of the country in the context of the changing economy.

Addressing the students, Dr Indu Sahahni, Principal HR College and Prof Satvinder Juss encouraged them to experience and explore India and its rich diversity.

Keith Hoggart, Vice Principal Arts & Sciences and External Relations, King's College London quotes: ‘ India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies and a country with increasing global importance. King's has a long tradition of excellent relations with India, and a strong commitment to encouraging British students to broaden their horizons through an international education; so when the Government approached us with the idea of SIP, we were delighted to help set up this initiative.'

Dr Vijay Kolhe, Vice Chancellor Mumbai University gave an overview of Mumbai University and the changes it has undergone over the last few years.

Expectations of a UK students from the programme - “During the programme I relish the opportunity to work with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds. This is likely not only because I am travelling to a country far, far away but because I am travelling to Mumbai - a city renowned for its diversity and blend of different races, religions and cultures. I hope this opportunity will allow me a greater insight into the micro, day-to-day goings on of modern day India .”

Since no event in Mumbai is complete without Bollywood, Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, an alumnus of HR College was also present.

The evening left the students enthusiastic about what was in store as part of their Programme.