Media Release
Mumbai, Mar 8: Celebrating the Foundation Day of US Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) a one-day seminar on 'India-US in a Globalized World: Many Layers but One Goal of Strengthening Relations' was organized by the Fulbright Alumni Association, Mumbai Chapter recently at VPM’s Centre for International Studies, Mulund East, Mumbai.
The seminar was inaugurated by Elizabeth Kauffman, director, American Centre. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised on three essential demands on growing India-US Relations namely-leadership, critical thinking and effective communication. Prof Jane E Schukoske, executive director, USEFI
delivering her keynote address which brought out the fact that since 1950, 14,000 scholars have moved between India and US as Fulbright Exchange fellows. American scholars are always touched by Indian warmth and cultural affinity adds to improve relations.
Earlier, Dr P M Kamath, president, Fulbright Alumni Association described discussion of growing India-US relations since India moved into a Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG) mould. This developed congruence of interests between India-US since US was looking for access to Indian market and investments opportunities.
Dr Ramesh Babu in his presentation elaborated this aspect of India-US relations. Dr Shrikant Paranjpe elaborated India’s looking forward for creating space in global decision-making. America's desire to sell weapons to India depends much on reliability of US as a supplier, he said. In the second session Dr Mala Pandurang presented her paper on 'Migration and Ensuing Dilemmas: The Literary Narrative as a Tool of Sensitization' bringing out how a good piece of literature can serve as a window to modern perspectives on cross-cultural diversities.
Dr PM Kamath in his presentation 'India-US Nuclear Deal: What’s Clear and What’s Not' endorsed civil nuclear deal as a balanced agreement in the interest of Indian people as well as the US. Dr Ravikal Kamath, general secretary, Fulbright Alumni Association proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Sudha Mohan, honourary treasurer of FAA, welcomed the Fulbright scholars and also introduced the guests of the day.