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South India a prominent destination for British varsities: Nithavrianakis

Significant number of higher educational institutions in the region, says envoy

For collaboration:Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India, speaking at the American College in Madurai on Tuesday.

MADURAI: The British Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India, Mike Nithavrianakis, on Tuesday declared that ‘South India will be a prominent destination for British universities in the context of the Indian Government's Foreign Educational Institutions Bill.”

“This is a step we see as an opportunity for universities in the UK to participate. You can't ignore South India because of its significant number of strong higher education establishments in places like Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad,” he said.

The UK diplomat said here that he is visiting London in another two weeks “to talk to some businesses there and my top message will be about the opening up of higher education sector in India. Of course, the final outcome will be subject to the decision of Lok Sabha.”

He interacted with senior faculty members during his visit to The American College in the city after explaining about his priorities in strengthening bilateral ties between India and the UK.

Replying to a question raised by a senior professor whether the new Education Bill will make India a market for higher education, Mr. Nithavrianakis said that the Union Minister Kapil Sibal had already expressed his views on proper regulations and various regulatory issues to be put in place. “I see it as a chance for India to meet its needs in higher education. When I meet the UK businesses, I will only tell them that India is a country that they should be looking at. The Bill will not be seen as a hard/commercial money-making exercise,” he assured.

Stating that education will be an area that will take more of his time as Deputy Higher Commissioner, he said that he would like to see more British students come to India as a part of formal collaboration and to have parts of their courses delivered in India at least for six months.

“I will try to facilitate more partnerships in education between India and the British institutions. There are significant opportunities available in South India,” Mr. Nithavrianakis said.

First visit to Madurai

The British Deputy High Commissioner was on his first visit to Madurai after he assumed charge seven months ago.

“I am keen to find new areas of opportunities. My visit to Madurai is a part of learning by meeting people in towns and villages.”

T. Chinnaraj Joseph Jaikumar, Principal, American College, in his welcome remarks said that the college is keen to come up with good partnerships with global institutions and he explained about the college's connections with the UK.

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