Dr. Bhavani Rao gave a Keynote address on the topic of “Sustainable and Inclusive Global Learning” at The Sustainable and Inclusive Internationalization Virtual Conference on November 17th, 2022.
She spoke Amrita’s unique approach to addressing social issues in rural India is rooted in Chancellor Amma’s mission: “There are two types of education: education for living and education for life.” At Amrita, technical education is combined with education on life and life skills.
“Our approach to bridging inequality is through fostering mutual respect and compassion,” said Dr. Rao. “When our students go to the villages they see the day to day lives and struggles of people. The students and the communities then learn from one another.”
She reiterated that the inner resiliencies of communities will unfold when you meet people where they are at. Give, learn grow with them.
“Sure, travel is a huge component of learning,” said Dr. Rao. “At Amrita, our travel is not limited to the Universities of the West— the Harvards and Yales— but to the Universities of life, into our villages. Is it sustainable? I sure think so.”
ShaheenNanji, Executive Director SFU International, Simon Fraser University, Canada moderated the session.
