Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hosted an interactive session with international students enrolled across state universities at Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh, underscoring the state’s commitment to expanding global educational horizons and fostering cross-cultural diplomacy. The engagement, organized by the Department of Foreign Cooperation, brought together scholars from 14 countries studying at premier institutions, including Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) Hisar, Kurukshetra University, and Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana.
Addressing the cohort, Chief Minister Saini emphasized that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies are reshaping global education, agriculture, and healthcare. He encouraged the students to continually upgrade their skills, embrace emerging innovations, and serve as cultural “brand ambassadors” for Haryana when they return home. Highlighting the state’s diplomatic philosophy, Saini noted that Haryana looks beyond conventional government-to-government (G2G) engagement to cultivate heart-to-heart and people-to-people connections in alignment with the global principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
During the interaction, scholars shared insights into their research programmes and personal experiences living in Haryana. Among the notable participants was a doctoral scholar from Afghanistan who completed her seven-year PhD programme at CCSHAU and delivered her entire address in fluent Hindi. The gathering provided an open forum for scholars from various African and Asian nations to discuss their academic progress, campus environments, and exposure to Indian culture.
Department of Foreign Cooperation Principal Secretary Amneet P. Kumar announced that the state is actively developing international pathways for local scholars, confirming that an exchange initiative allowing Haryana students to pursue studies at United Kingdom universities will launch shortly. In response, Chief Minister Saini directed state universities to expand academic partnerships and memorandums of understanding with reputed international institutions, while issuing instructions to streamline visa facilitation processes to position Haryana as a premier destination for global higher education and research.
