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Warwick and India: A 50th anniversary celebration

On Saturday 5 December 2015, Warwick alumni from across India gathered at New Delhi's Taj Mahal Hotel to celebrate the University's 50th anniversary and, in particular, the significant role that Indian students and key Warwick-India partnerships have played in its history. The event was addressed by both our Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Nigel Thrift and, by the Founder and Chairman of the WMG, Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya. Over 150 Alumni from a range of departments attended the unique celebration, including WMG, WBS, Economics, Law, PAIS, Sociology and several others.

At a time when many UK universities have been experiencing a fall in the number of Indian applicants, Warwick’s Indian enrolment increased by 18% in 2015. The huge contribution that these students - along with our many other students of Indian origin - make to life on campus is evident, not least in the numerous Indian societies that are so vibrant and active throughout the year.

But it is not just on campus that the importance of the University’s relationship with India is clear. The University also undertakes teaching activity in India and academics from a number of departments are involved in exciting research in, or related to, India. And, as mentioned in the Vice Chancellor’s Christmas message, every year students from Warwick volunteer at the Laksh Foundation outside Delhi, helping to improve the lives of extremely poor children in rural villages.

Furthermore, under the leadership of Lord Bhattacharyya, WMG has developed exciting collaborations with Indian industry including: a partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry to develop a programme of training and internships for Indian companies, assisting in the Indian Government’s initiative to increase the number of Indian Institutes of Technology and, of course, the remarkably successful strategic partnerships including Bharat Forge, Tata Motors and TVS.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, Sudarshan Venu, a WMG graduate and now Joint Managing Director of TVS Motor Company said,

My education at WMG at the University of Warwick provided a fantastic combination of engineering and management‎. The strong tie-ups with global industry leaders in automotive and other sectors gave me great exposure."

Lord Bhattacharyya added his own words, highlighting the extent to which many alumni have gone on to play leading roles in Indian society and business,

This event celebrates the vast community of Warwick and WMG Indian graduates who are now playing their part in the transformation of India."

Professor Sir Nigel Thrift Nigel summarised the evening in the following way,

India has played a truly significant role in Warwick's development and success over the past 50 years and, as such, we wanted to take the opportunity to come here and reconnect with so many of our valued Indian alumni."

For further information about this 50th Anniversary event in New Delhi, please contact Siobhan Benita at S dot Benita at warwick dot ac dot uk

Professor Sir Nigel Thrift and Lord Bhattacharyya with Professor Sarukesi, Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology
Professor Sir Nigel Thrift and Lord Bhattacharyya with Professor Sarukesi, Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology

Lord Bhattacharyya with Mr and Mrs Venu and colleagues from the Confederation of Indian Industry
Lord Bhattacharyya with Mr and Mrs Venu and colleagues from the Confederation of Indian Industry

Indian alumni
Indian alumni at the event