India Center Hosts New Consul General of India

Posted: March 5th, 2024 ˑ Filed under: Departments, The India Center

Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan speaks at a podium in front of a screen and the U.S. and Indian flags, welcoming attendees at the India Center at UCF event.

The new Consul General of India in Atlanta, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, visited UCF on March 4 to deepen the engagement between the university and India. Consul General Lakshmanan represents India in the southeastern United States.

The visit started with a stop at the India Center office, followed by a meeting with students at UCF Global. The informal meeting was a forum for Indian students to speak about their experiences studying in the United States. Consul General Lakshmanan shared insight on the Consulate’s support services available to students from India.

“Engaging with Consul General Lakshmanan was not just enlightening, it was a bridge to understanding support for international students,” said Varshith Kola, a graduate student from India. “Feeling connected and supported as an international student at UCF was a profound takeaway from this memorable interaction.”

*Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan talking with students.*

Following the meeting with students, senior UCF leadership met with the Consul General to share ideas on fostering the connection between the university and India. UCF values its relationship with India. In spring 2024, 612 Indian students were enrolled at UCF. This number grew from 434 students the previous spring.

Two individuals, one wearing a blue suit and the other in a white blazer, stand together smiling, holding a black gift bag, with a red wall and a television in the background.

Consul General Lakshmanan ended his visit with a reception and public lecture discussing India-U.S. higher educational opportunities. During the talk, which was attended by students, faculty, UCF leadership, and community members, he highlighted the importance of educational partnerships to advance emerging technologies in India.

“His vision for academic collaboration and cultural exchange between India and the U.S. opened new doors of opportunity for us,” said Kola. “Networking at the reception fostered a vibrant sense of community that I will cherish.”

“I hope UCF continues to build partnerships with India,” said Leila Chacko, Director of Public Affairs for the India Center. “Consul General Lakshmanan’s visit was a wonderful chance for students, faculty and community members to hear about India’s most recent education policy and the opportunities it brings for our students and faculty.”