Kent staff made a long-awaited return to India earlier in March to launch an ambitious new alumni initiative. The Kent in India Alumni chapter is a celebration of the long-standing support from Indian alumni and the University’s continued commitment to the relationship.
The new chapter was launched following the inaugural meeting of the Association’s Steering Group where an advisory committee was set up and an active and highly engaged alumnus – Prashant Baluja – was appointed interim chair. A ceremonial agreement was also signed, acknowledging the committee’s shared vision and ambition.
The trip gave Kent representatives the chance to reconnect with Indian alumni and meet new ones with a successful and well attended event in New Delhi. Prospective Kent students were also invited to this event, giving them a fantastic opportunity to meet Kent staff and alumni.
Dr Anthony Manning, Dean for Internationalisation, said: ‘Kent is committed to continuing to strengthen our already fantastic links with India. We have long-enjoyed a great relationship with Indian alumni – who offer so much value to Kent and our students through their experience, expertise and opportunities. This trip was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the past and look forward to the next chapter of this relationship.’
Prashant Baluja, interim chair of the advisory committee said: ‘With the establishment of a Kent in India Alumni chapter, we are trying to get everyone who may have played cricket in Parkwood or shared the same lecture theatre, back together. We’re creating a platform where everybody can engage and educate and network with everybody else who attended the University of Kent and is from India.’
The visit was capped with a trip to partner institution Amity University to meet their international team and strengthen closer links between the two universities.
