IU to sign agreement with Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD)

Ambedkar University Delhi.

New Delhi

Indiana University Bloomington Provost and Executive Vice President Lauren Robel is traveling to India to enhance relationships with key university partners and alumni and announce an agreement with one of the country's most dynamic institutions, Ambedkar University Delhi.

Robel trip is a follow-up to her past activities as well as those of IU President Michael A. McRobbie. In November 2014, McRobbie dedicated the IU India Gateway office in Gurgaon, a suburb of New Delhi. The facility serves as the hub for the university's activities across the country.

Robel will meet with FLAME University Vice Chancellor Devi Singh, who previously led Indian Institute of Management-Lucknow, which already has a successful agreement with the IU Kelley School of Business. In 2013, Robel welcomed Singh and a delegation of 14 high-level leaders at Indian universities and technical institutions for a week of leadership and institution building.

"It is always an honor to represent Indiana University abroad," Robel said. "I am delighted to be returning to India, a dynamic country with wonderful university and industry partners. I look forward to renewing our relationships with some of India's pre-eminent universities."

Ties between IU and the world's largest democracy are extensive. More than 1,100 Indian students are enrolled at IU campuses across Indiana. This figure represents a nearly 50 percent increase in the number of Indian students enrolled at IU over the past five years.

AUD@City 2014 in Ambedkar University Delhi

More than 4,300 IU alumni are affiliated with India, who, along with the hundreds of scholars, dignitaries and students who have visited IU campuses, comprise IU’s ever-growing global community. India also is a leading destination for IU students pursuing an overseas study opportunity, with more than 100 students currently studying abroad in the country.

The Madhusudan and Kiran C. Dhar India Studies Program, within the School of Global and International Studies at IU Bloomington, is one of a handful of U.S. centers for the study of Indian history, languages and cultures.

On Oct. 17, Robel will sign an agreement of friendship and cooperation between IU and Ambedkar University Delhi. She also will sign a sub-agreement that calls for a joint research symposium in the first year, followed by undergraduate and graduate student exchanges and faculty and administrative exchanges.

Robel noted that Ambedkar University Delhi complements IU's academic expertise and interests in South Asia. Among its innovating offerings are programs in social entrepreneurship, human ecology with an interdisciplinary emphasis and development studies.

The university is principally devoted to furthering the mission of Bhimrao Ambedkar, one of India's "founding fathers," an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer. He was a key author of India's constitution and throughout his life campaigned against social discrimination.

"Our new partnership with Ambedkar University Delhi offers exciting opportunities for our students, faculty and staff to deeply engage with Indian culture and the Indian educational system," she said. "We envision many innovative exchanges in the near future focused on our mutual commitments to social equality and social justice."

Robel held a series of meetings with Singh, other administrators and deans at FLAME University, which was established in Pune as an accredited private institution in 2014. Located on a 53-acre campus, it offers degrees in liberal education, business, communications, fine arts and performing arts, as well as an MBA degree.

Robel will visit the U.S. embassy to India in Delhi and visit IIT Delhi, before attending an alumni reception that evening.