~ The visit fostered an understanding of liberal education in India and greater collaboration with universities in the U.S.~
FLAME University, a pioneer of liberal education in India, collaborates with various institutions in the USA. These collaborations enhance the educational experience of students by providing them with opportunities to operate in multilingual and multicultural settings at an international level. David J. Ranz, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai visited FLAME University and met with the Vice-Chancellor and the leadership team at FLAME for an enriching discussion on India’s National Education Policy, the higher education climate in Maharashtra, and to know more about the progress of liberal education in India.
The international relations initiative at FLAME University has the makings of a mutually beneficial relationship between the faculty and students of FLAME and associated institutions and universities. Currently, FLAME University collaborates with U.S. schools including Wellesley College, Amherst College, Kelley School of Business, and others.
David J. Ranz, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, stated, “Americans appreciate the contributions international students make to U.S. campuses, and international students are warmly welcomed by these communities and beyond. We are a diverse and friendly country, richer in culture for our variety of ethnicities and races, religions, and other identities. U.S. campuses and communities offer students countless ways to immerse themselves in American culture, be it in classrooms, volunteer clubs, or sports leagues.”
Dr. Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor, FLAME University, said, “It was a pleasure hosting David J. Ranz, the U.S. Consul General, at FLAME University today. His interaction with the FLAME community was an engaging and insightful conversation around the changing liberal education landscape in India under the NEP 2020, the developments in the U.S., and how this changing scenario can foster collaboration between institutions from both countries. We believe that this can open up valuable opportunities in the areas of research, student and faculty exchange, among others”.
In the meeting, discussions covered higher educational opportunities, research collaborations, and the pioneering efforts of FLAME University in the liberal education landscape of India. Mr. Ranz also interacted with students of FLAME and spoke on U.S.-India trade relations, about pursuing higher studies in the United States, and also responded to student queries.