This January, leaders from Indiana University Indianapolis traveled across India, connecting with key university and institutional counterparts. Led by Chancellor Latha Ramchand, Associate Vice Chancellor Hilary Kahn, and Executive Associate Dean and Professor Davide Bolchini at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, the group included Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Department of Community and Global Health, Associate Professor and Chair Sherri Bucher, and Associate Dean for Planning, Finance, and Faculty Affairs, School of Science and Professor, Rajeev Raje at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. The delegation’s tour was aimed at strengthening academic ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across the subcontinent.
“The IU brand is globally recognized due to the dedication of our faculty and staff, along with our alumni, many of whom are successful leaders in business and community across India,” said Chancellor Ramchand. “No doubt there is a large market in India for education.” The IU India Gateway serves as a physical touchpoint for IU’s presence in India, with Gateway Director Zafeena Suresh and Program Manager Minu Thomas coordinating the visit and accompanying the delegation on several visits.
Western India: Mumbai
The journey began in Mumbai, the vibrant financial capital of India. The IU delegation visited two leading institutions here: the University of Mumbai, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, and ATLAS SkillTech University, a new educational institution focusing on skills and technical education. The visits provided insightful discussions about potential partnerships in research in areas like data sciences, neuroscience, law, liberal arts and more.
Southern India: Kochi and Kollam
The delegation then went down south to Kochi and Kollam in Kerala, two cities known for their academic and healthcare institutions, much like Indianapolis. In Kochi, they visited the renowned Amrita Hospital where they explored advancements in medical technology and healthcare education. They also visited Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, a premier institution in Kerala, where they participated in discussions on expanding interdisciplinary research and strengthening ties in the fields of technology and public health, including launching a virtual Center of Excellence in Data for Good that is housed at Luddy School’s Polis Center in collaboration with other IU Indy schools.
Northern India: Delhi and Dehradun
The journey continued north, with the IU delegation visiting Delhi and Dehradun. In Delhi, Luddy Executive Associate Dean Bolchini visited several prominent universities, including Amity University, Bennett University, and Sharda University. Here, he was joined by Priya Kurle, IU Global Indianapolis’ assistant director of admissions for South Asia, whose work has contributed to these potential collaborations around technology and research. Later he joined Associate Vice Chancellor Kahn in Dehradun to visit IU Indy’s long-standing partner, UPES. This was Kahn’s third visit to UPES, fortifying the collaboration aimed at creating more opportunities for students and faculty and strengthening the academic community. They also visited Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, another leading institution in northern India. Their discussions centered around opportunities for faculty exchanges, research collaboration, cooperative educational agreements, and partnerships across disciplines.
International Conference on Gender and Technology at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
A highlight of the visit was attending the International Conference on Gender and Technology at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. The conference aimed to explore the intersection of technology and gender, highlighting how technological innovations can empower women and address gender disparities. Associate Professor Sherri Bucher co-chaired a panel on (Women’s Health and Sanitation in the Digital Age) while Harsh Patel, a student from IU Indy, presented his research paper on bridging the gender gap in the SDGs at the conference.
“Attending a conference that connects IU Indianapolis with Amrita University, particularly around our shared commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, was a meaningful part of our visit. Having our superior IU students and faculty present at this conference made it even more significant. It also provided time to learn more about Amrita’s goals for emerging data-based collaborations like the virtual Joint Center of Excellence in Data for Good,” said Kahn. “I look forward to deepening our relationships with institutions like UPES, Amrita, and others, as this is an important way we can make real change in the lives of people, locally and globally.
Strengthening global academic partnerships
Throughout the trip, the delegation met with university leaders, faculty members, and students, all eager to collaborate on research, academic programs, and international exchange. The visit helped deepen the academic bonds between Indiana University Indianapolis and key institutions in India, setting the stage for continued collaboration in fields ranging from technology and healthcare to public health and gender studies.
As the delegation returns to Indianapolis, they carry with them valuable experiences and connections that will help IU expand its global presence and continue to provide its students with world-class educational opportunities.
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