Pondicherry University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Calabria, Italy, during a ceremony held on the Pondicherry University campus. The MoU was exchanged by Prof. Victor Anandkumar, Dean – International Relations, Pondicherry University, and Prof. Laura Corradi, MoU Coordinator from the University of Calabria, in the presence of Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Vice Chancellor (i/c); Dr. Kamalaveni, Coordinator – MoU; and Dr. Aashita, Head of the Centre for Women’s Studies. This partnership aims to foster academic collaboration through student and faculty exchange programs between the two universities.

The University of Calabria, located in southern Italy, is a prominent public university known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. Established in 1972 in the town of Rende, near Cosenza, it is one of Italy’s leading academic institutions, offering a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as engineering, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university follows a modern campus model with residential facilities, fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. It is also recognized for its international collaborations, attracting students and researchers from around the world. The University of Calabria actively contributes to regional and global academic advancements through interdisciplinary research and partnerships with industries and institutions.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. S. Victor Anandkumar, Dean of International Relations, Pondicherry University, who highlighted the university’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships. He pointed out that this MOU is significant in the backdrop of the elevation of bilateral relations between India and Italy to a strategic partnership in 2023. Following this, Dr. Kamalaveni, Associate Professor at the Centre for Women’s Studies and Head of the Centre for European Studies, provided insights into the scope and significance of the MoU, emphasizing its role in academic exchange, research collaboration, and cultural understanding.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (i/c) Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu delivered his remarks, underscoring the strategic importance of the agreement in enhancing bilateral ties between the two institutions. He stressed that this partnership would facilitate faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and interdisciplinary academic cooperation.

Representing the University of Calabria, Prof. Laura Corradi, Rector’s Delegate for International Relations with India and MoU Coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. She highlighted the University of Calabria’s commitment to fostering global academic connections and looked forward to meaningful engagement with Pondicherry University.

This MoU is expected to pave the way for collaborative research projects, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and opportunities for students and faculty from both institutions to benefit from cross-cultural academic exposure. The event concluded with an exchange of documents, solidifying the partnership between the two universities.

Dr. Aashita, Head of the Centre for Women’s Studies, highlighted the broader impact of such partnerships in strengthening bilateral cooperation in higher education between India and the USA. She affirmed that this MOU reflects Pondicherry University’s commitment to providing its students with global exposure and fostering international academic excellence.

*** 

 

IR/RR

(Release ID: 2107782) Visitor Counter : 46