Bangalore: We have thousands of Indian students settled in the US, who have embraced the customs and traditions of America whole-heartedly. Now, it is time for American students to know about India; our culture, art and growth story.

The UGC is coming up with ‘The Connect India programme’, which will be held at various prominent universities in the country, including Jadavpur University and Calcutta University in Bengal, JNU, University of Mumbai, Banaras Hindu University and Osmania University, reports Basant Kumar Mohanty of The Telegraph. This fellowship programme is a part of the Indo-US education partnership.

“The idea is to tell American students about the India story. It will also enhance diversity on campuses as Indian students will benefit from such multiculturalism,” UGC chairperson Ved Prakash said, as reported by Mohanty.

The period of course will be 4-6 weeks and as a part of the course, students will get the chance to visit local communities, villages and places of historical importance. Cultural events and yoga sessions will also be arranged for around 200 students visiting India.

“We have asked the universities to accommodate 10 to 20 students each. The first batch is expected in May next year,” Prakash said.

Scholarships are offered to foreign students, by The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), to study in India. But, it fails to attract students from the developed countries, especially from the U.S.

 “In our university, there are about 100 foreign students pursuing graduation and post-graduation courses under ICCR scholarship. They are all from developing countries mostly Afghanistan and Kenya,” said P.V. Valsarajan, dean of students’ welfare at Calicut University.

India’s political and financial systems, society and administration will be a part of the course, said UGC Chief Prakash.