Connecting with India’s Experts

This summer, UCF’s India Center had the unique opportunity to meet with two delegations of experts from India. In May, the India Center hosted a group focused on U.S.-India space policy cooperation. The visiting group included two professors, a scientist and a member of the news media. The delegation met with India Center co-chairs John C. Bersia and Kerstin Hamann, Ph.D., as well as UCF faculty members and engaged members of the Central Florida community.

This month, the India Center welcomed a delegation concerned with combating human trafficking and gender-based violence. The visitors represented a variety of sectors, including law enforcement, media and non-governmental organizations. Over lunch, the delegation learned about both the India Center and UCF’s new Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. The center representatives also learned about the visitors’ respective concerns, perspectives, and interest in the area of human trafficking.

On the value of these connections, Bersia noted, “Whether we are striving for safer, more secure communities or reaching for the stars, our new friends from India reminded us of our common goals.” Hamann commented, “The India Center at UCF welcomes the opportunity to host experts from India to support awareness and understanding of India and engage in an exchange of ideas on topics of mutual significance.”

The visits were facilitated through the World Affairs Council of Central Florida, a local non-profit organization that brings international visitors to Orlando as part of the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program.