In a bid to strengthen academic ties, US universities are actively seeking to attract more talented students from India, says an Indian-American chancellor. Read on to find out more.
Building Stronger Ties
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has seen a significant rise in Indian students, especially in graduate programs. The chancellor, Dr. C. Mauli Agrawal, is actively promoting UMKC through word-of-mouth and visits to Indian universities, aiming to foster research collaborations.
Alumni's Solid Foundation
Dr. Agrawal, an IIT-Kanpur alumnus, still connects with his alma mater. He credits his solid foundation in engineering to IIT-K, which helped him achieve senior positions in US academia. He is also a part of an informal group of IIT alumni in senior academic roles.
Indian Immigrant Spirit
Indian immigrants have a solid educational base and a spirit of risk-taking that helps them succeed. US immigration laws have evolved, leading to more Indian Americans in top positions. This success comes from a combination of factors that help immigrants thrive.
Challenges and Growth
Indian students today face different challenges compared to earlier waves of immigrants. Dr. Agrawal acknowledges the longer immigration lines and believes there's a need for India to prepare for its aging population. He emphasizes the importance of research.
Bringing Worlds Together
Dr. Agrawal reflects on his journey as an Indian immigrant in the US, calling it a 'heck of a ride'. He emphasizes his office's efforts to establish collaborations in India, and the importance of bringing the two worlds together. His family also embraces both Diwali and Christmas traditions.
