Celebrating the Power of Cultural Exchange: A Message from the Executive Director
Senator J. William Fulbright once described the cultural exchange programs bearing his name as "probably the most important and potentially rewarding of our foreign-policy activities," emphasizing their role in fostering world peace and order. His words resonate strongly today, in an era where traditional diplomacy often seems intensely competitive. Fulbright’s vision underscores the vital need for nations to come together—to share knowledge, express passions, and most importantly, to listen and learn from one another in the pursuit of mutual understanding.
Since the inaugural agreement in February 1950, signed by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and U.S. Ambassador Loy W. Henderson, the Fulbright Program in India has facilitated academic and cultural exchanges for approximately 21,000 citizens of India and the United States. This enduring partnership has become a cornerstone of U.S.-India relations.
The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), which administers these programs, has undergone significant growth and transformation since its inception. In 2008, the organization was renamed from the United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) to USIEF, reflecting the Indian government’s commitment to becoming an equal partner in funding and governance, and truly embodying the binational essence of the program.
Under this renewed partnership, the scope of exchanges has expanded, tripling the size of the program and fostering the creation of innovative initiatives. Today, India boasts the largest Fulbright Scholar Program in the world, as well as one of the largest student research programs globally.
As Executive Director of USIEF, I have the privilege of leading a team of 50 dedicated professionals in Delhi and across our regional offices in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Our collaborative efforts with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the American Embassy, and numerous academic institutions ensure that the Fulbright Program continues to thrive. Amid the daily responsibilities—overseeing operations, participating in interview panels, visiting institutions, and maintaining the historic Fulbright House—it’s easy to become immersed in the tasks at hand.
Yet, I remain deeply grateful for the tireless contributions of the USIEF staff, whose commitment and intelligence drive the success of our programs. The support of our alumni—our most passionate advocates—further amplifies our impact. Their enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and experience is contagious, spreading the benefits of cultural exchange far and wide. Each year, I am inspired by the talent and humanity of the students and scholars who participate in these programs. They consistently exceed expectations, enriching not only their own lives but also the lives of those they touch during their time abroad.
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program in India, we reaffirm our dedication to fulfilling Senator Fulbright’s goal of bringing "a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs." Together, we continue to advance the possibility that nations will learn to live in peace and friendship.
Adam J. Grotsky
Executive Director, USIEF
