Indian Student Welcome Event

Indian Student Welcome Event hosted by Consulate General of India along with Indian National Student’s Association (UK).

By Sakshi Jain (INSA member and graduate from University of Glasgow)

The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Edinburgh, in partnership with INSA (Indian National Student Association), organised a Welcome event for new Indian Students in Scotland over the weekend; here is a report from an INSA UK member.

Consul General of India Mr Bijay Selvaraj hosted a welcome event at his office in the capital city of Scotland, in collaboration with INSA with its mission of “Creating a home away from home” for new students who have stepped into Scotland. The programme was joined by Indian students from various levels and subjects of study from major Scottish universities. “Unity in Diversity” was at full display at the event, as these students represented various states and languages of India.

The event started with a brief introduction of INSA and their mission by Mr Kishore Dattu, head of INSA North. He highlighted the work that INSA has undertaken to support Indian students in UK, the prominent role they had played during the pandemic, and encouraged people to get involved to help fellow students from the Indian community.

Miss Sakshi Jain, founding member of INSA chapter at University of Glasgow, shared her experience of being a member of INSA and how it has enabled her to help fellow Indian students at her university and fulfil INSA’s crucial motto of contributing back to the Indian community.

Rt Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge was the chief guest of this evening, who highlighted how Edinburgh is open for all international students. He expressed how he had something in common with all the students present in the hall since he was once an international student.

He emphasized the importance of having a support network and suggested more student to get involved with INSA. He also shed light in Scotland’s and India’s common heritage and the link between India and Edinburgh.

Mr. Karan Patil gave a very inspiring speech to the students who attended the event. His words – “Work towards creating a solution for a social problem. Make sure your solution reaches the entire world.” made quite an impression on the audience.

Professor Pankaj’s words – “I believe that a diverse classroom, a classroom which has students from all nationalities enriches both research and education”, resonated deeply throughout the room. He also shared valuable insights into India and Scotland’s continued partnership to improve education, culture, and industry.

His Excellency Shri Bijay Selvaraj, Consulate General of India in Edinburgh, made the keynote address, expressing his support for Indian students across the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland. He underlined the significance of adhering to safety standards and being responsible while in the United Kingdom. He also extended a warm welcome to all of the students and assured them of his assistance in their time of need.

Mr. Puneet Dwivedi offered the vote of thanks. He expressed his gratitude to the Consulate General of India and all the dignitaries in the room for hosting the event and sharing their valuable knowledge and experience with the Indian students.

The students also had the opportunity to network and enjoy a delicious Indian dinner organised by the Consulate General.

The event was anchored by Miss Krithika Iyer, who is a student at University of Glasgow.

 Miss Sakshi Jain