Fostering links to develop Next Generation Leaders in India and UK
The University of Southampton and Chandra Links Education India are joining forces to establish the Chandra-Southampton Next Generation Education Leadership Programme in recognition of a global need to develop next-generation leaders in a deeply complex world.
The announcement was made at the start of a major visit by the University to India and features one of the biggest delegations to visit the country from Southampton. Led by Professor Colin Grant, the University’s Vice President (International), the delegation comprises leaders in education, chemical technologies, marine and maritime, management, demography and social science more broadly. The delegation will also engage with the finest minds in India and many specialist institutions and ministries, as well as be hosting two major alumni receptions in Chennai and New Delhi.
The Chandra-Southampton Next Generation Leadership Programme will create a partnership between the University’s excellent undergraduate students in Education and pupils at St Paul’s schools in India. Education students from Southampton will travel to spend time at St Paul’s schools in India to develop an inclusive curriculum. Leading St Paul’s school graduates will receive support to visit the UK for the ‘Educating for a Complex World Forum’ held annually at the University of Southampton.
Professor Martin Dyke, Director of Programmes and Deputy Head of the Southampton Education School, said: “Educating the next generation of young people is the most effective way to make sustainable change. The University of Southampton is passionate about partnering with creative, forward-thinking organisations that have a common purpose.
“For Southampton, building long-term, mutually beneficial, sustainable relationships with people and organisations in India is a key goal,” Professor Dyke continued. “We’re delighted to be working with Mr Amreesha Chandra and his family for their vision and support. I would also like to thank the Marion Foundation and Mr Amarjit Singh, the University’s Special Advisor for India, and founder of the India Business Group for his great work in bringing us together.”
Professor Colin Grant, Vice President (International) for the University of Southampton said: “This is a significant breakthrough in our relationship with India. At the heart of this initiative lies the concept of partnership: partnership between the University and the Chandra family; partnership between the University and St Paul’s schools and partnership between the University and India. The value of the initiative cannot be overstated. The world today desperately needs more, not less, partnership.”
Speaking about the agreement, Mr. Amreesh Chandra, Group President, GEMS Education, India said, “This is a very prestigious moment that the University of Southampton, one of the top universities in the world, is signing an agreement of partnership with the Department of Higher Education, Government of Rajasthan. It is a great honour that GEMS Education has been able to facilitate such large knowledge partners to come together and sign this MoU. The discussion held today is definitely going to take this relationship on to a much higher level."
Amarjit Singh commented: “We are delighted to facilitate this exciting global collaboration and look forward to continuing our joint working relationship. The India Business Group is keen to recognise and work with partners to develop a long term strategy to build on the shared passion for education between the UK and India by bringing together key education institutions.”