Archives: Events

USIEF recently hosted the 2025 South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference, bringing together Fulbright-Nehru scholars and other U.S. Fulbright participants placed across South and Central Asia. This conference serves as a unique platform for U.S. scholars to share their research, exchange insights, and reflect on their experiences living and working in the region. With approximately 80-90 presentations across multiple sessions, the conference covered a broad spectrum of topics, including art and architecture, agriculture, ecology and forestry, economic development, science and technology, literature and journalism, history, public health, politics, and religion, and performing arts. The conference provided an opportunity for scholars to discuss their work, explore challenges and triumphs, and engage in meaningful conversations about living and studying in varied cultural settings.

On November 14, 2024, as part of the ongoing Fulbright alumni engagement series, Dosti House, Mumbai hosted a workshop led by Fulbright alumnus Chintan Sonawane on effective communication strategies for social media. The session provided practical tips and interactive activities aimed at enhancing English language learning, with a focus on equipping students with the skills to navigate and utilize social media platforms for academic and professional growth. Sixty undergraduate students from various colleges in Mumbai, studying English literature, participated in the workshop. The program was well-received, and attendees had the opportunity to tour Dosti House and enrol for membership, further fostering engagement and growth in their academic journeys.

American Spaces, Kolkata hosted an inspiring Fireside Chat on Cultural Exchange in Education on November 21, featuring a dynamic conversation between American and Indian Fulbright scholars. The discussion highlighted how cultural and educational exchanges have shaped the scholars’ personal and professional journeys. Through compelling stories and insights, they showcased the transformative impact of global exposure on fostering mutual understanding and expanding career opportunities. The session left 65 participants motivated to explore cross-cultural learning opportunities for growth and collaboration.

In celebration of International Education Week, USIEF-New Delhi hosted a dynamic workshop on November 22, 2024, titled “Empowering Teachers: Innovation, Communication, AI, and Social Media in Education.” The event gathered 35 educators from 17 states across India, nominated by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). Fulbright Teacher Program alumni Murari Jha and Neeru Lohiya led insightful sessions on innovative teaching methods, the integration of AI in education, and the influence of social media in the classroom. USIEF staff also mentored participants, highlighting future opportunities for professional development through Fulbright’s Teacher Exchange and Distinguished Alumni initiatives.

From November 25–27, 2024, USIEF organized the “Leadership in Higher Education” workshop at Women’s Christian College in Chennai. Over 40 faculty members from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka participated in this event aimed at fostering visionary leadership in higher education. Led by Fulbright alumni Dr. Gladston Xavier, Dr. Murarai Jha, and Dr. Florina Xavier, the workshop sessions focused on strengthening academic excellence, global engagement, and promoting diversity. The program culminated with a visit to the Tamil Nadu Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing (TANCAM), where participants had the opportunity to explore the latest innovations in STEM, highlighting the transformative impact of technology on education.

On December 19, 2024, U.S. Fulbright-Nehru Student Researcher Hamsa Shanmugam captivated the audience at the American Center in Chennai with a Carnatic vocal concert. Accompanied by Srinaath Kidambi Perangur on violin and L. Subramanian on mridangam, Hamsa’s performance was a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. The main piece for the evening was a combination of two Thevarams in pann Kurinji (ragam Harikambhoji) by Saint Thirugnanasambandhar: “Ella Ulagamum” and “Kalai Nan Mamalar.” This latter piece showcased Hamsa’s Fulbright project, which explores incorporating Thevaram into Carnatic concert formats. The concert also featured the classic “Enna Thavam” in ragam Kapi, along with Kanchi Mahaperiyava’s “Maitreem Bhajata” and the timeless bhajan “Raghupati Raghava” to reflect the American Center and US Consulate General’s values of peace, multiculturalism, and interfaith unity.  Attendees praised the thoughtful combination of mainstream and lesser-known compositions, appreciating the American Center’s support for Margazhi celebrations and promotion of local art forms.