Archives: Events

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.