Varanasi Hosts Major India-EU Student Mobility Forum at BHU
A significant student outreach event titled 'Linking India–EU Mobility Opportunities with Uttar Pradesh' was successfully organized at Banaras Hindu University on Friday. This program, conducted under the EU–India Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (Phase II), brought together a diverse group of policymakers, diplomats, international organizations, academics, and students to engage in detailed discussions on education, migration, and mobility opportunities between India and European Union countries.
Keynote Address Highlights Global Vision of Indian Universities
Delivering the keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi emphasized that Indian universities inherently carry a global vision rooted in civilizational values. He remarked, "Our Indian culture has taught us to welcome students from all over the world, and we encourage our students to serve the entire world." This statement underscored the event's focus on fostering international educational exchanges.
Joint Support from Multiple Organizations
The event received joint support from several prominent organizations, including:
- The Ministry of External Affairs
- The European Union
- The International Centre for Migration Policy Development
- The International Labour Organisation
- The Indian Council of World Affairs
This collaborative effort highlights the importance placed on India-EU relations in the realm of education and migration.
Inauguration of Student Mobility Session
Gina Uika, Joint Secretary, EP&W, Ministry of External Affairs, inaugurated the session on student mobility to the European Union. She described it as part of an ongoing India–EU collaborative initiative aimed at informing students about higher education opportunities, procedures, and challenges associated with studying in Europe.
Significant Rise in Indian Students in Europe
Veronika Liskova, First Secretary, Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan, provided compelling statistics on the growth of Indian students in Europe. She noted that the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Europe has seen a dramatic increase, rising from around 10,000 residence permits in 2015 to nearly 50,000 in 2024. This fivefold growth underscores the expanding educational ties between India and the EU.
Uttar Pradesh Government's Employment Initiatives
On Thursday, Anil Rajbhar, UP Minister of Labour, Employment and Coordination, inaugurated a related workshop titled 'Coordinating India-Europe Opportunities with Uttar Pradesh'. He detailed the state government's efforts under its 'Work for Every Hand' target, focusing on all employment possibilities for youth.
Rajbhar explained, "The UP government is working on all employment possibilities for youth under its 'Work for Every Hand' target. A delegation led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath went to Singapore and Japan, while another delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya visited various European Union countries to explore employment opportunities abroad and attract investment to Uttar Pradesh."
Event Objectives and Outcomes
The forum served multiple purposes:
- To provide students with firsthand information about studying in Europe
- To discuss the procedural and logistical challenges of international education
- To explore employment and investment opportunities between Uttar Pradesh and EU nations
- To strengthen bilateral ties through academic and professional exchanges
By bringing together stakeholders from both India and the EU, the event aimed to create a more streamlined and informed pathway for students and professionals seeking opportunities abroad, while also attracting foreign investment to Uttar Pradesh.
