Mumbai: Mumbai University Celebrates Diwali with International Students Amid Record Enrolment. Mumbai University recently hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration for its international students, highlighting the institution’s commitment to cultural exchange and inclusivity. This year’s event was particularly significant, as the university reported a record enrolment of 166 foreign students, marking a significant increase from just 90 last year.
The Diwali festivities commenced with a cozy gathering on Friday, designed to help international students feel at home while immersing them in the rich tapestry of Indian culture. This initiative comes at a time when the university is seeing a surge in admissions from various countries, including Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, and the Philippines.
According to the university’s records, this year’s enrolment includes 45 students who received fully funded scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The majority of the foreign students come from Indian-origin families or are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), with many others exploring higher education opportunities in India. Courses chosen by these students span a range of disciplines, from conventional studies like commerce and economics to professional programs such as B.Sc. in Computer Science.
Andriantsivahiny Antsanahary Yvannah from Madagascar expressed her excitement about pursuing a Master’s in Commerce at Mumbai University. “Choosing India was an easy decision for me due to its robust educational framework,” she shared. Yvannah noted that the Diwali gathering allowed her to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, enriching her understanding of different cultures while learning about the significance of Diwali in India.
Lavone Sisouvanh from Laos, who is pursuing a Master’s in International Relations, echoed this sentiment. “India and Laos share deep cultural ties, and I see this as an opportunity to enhance my understanding of Indian culture,” he said. Having completed his education in Buddhist schools in Laos, Lavone, who works in the foreign affairs department, sees this experience as crucial for his career growth.
A senior official from Mumbai University highlighted the importance of international enrolment, attributing it to the university’s focus on Transnational Higher Education, which aims to globalize teaching and learning practices. “The growing number of international students at Mumbai University strengthens our commitment to Global Citizenship Education (GCE), as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” they stated.
The Diwali celebration not only marked a festive occasion but also served as a platform for international students to engage with Indian traditions. The university plans to host another formal event later this week, further deepening these cultural exchanges. With the increasing influx of foreign students, Mumbai University continues to solidify its position as a hub for international education in India.
(By Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N)
