US student delegation explores culture, education system in Mysuru

A delegation of students, headed by professor Femida Handy from the School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, USA, which will be in the city till March 13, will explore the heritage and also interact with prominent development organisations.

The delegation, comprising Jenna, Geneva, Elizabeth, Abbie, Nora, Taylor, Jennifer and Susannah, visited Mahajana First Grade College recently, and interacted with the management, principal, staff and students. The team, consisting of students from multi-disciplines, was eager to know about local system of education, along with the best practices. Femida has been regularly visiting India with her graduate students to introduce them to varied cultures and practices of the nation.

To mark their visit, a symposium was organised on ‘Experiences in Microfinance and Rural Development’ by Mahajana College and Social Business Academic Network (SBAN) - India chapter, in association with the School of Social Policy and Practice.

Founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) Dr R Balasubramaniam and coordinator of Organisation for Development of People (ODP) Gita Mitra were the panel members for the symposium.

The team, associated with Nitte University, will meet the authorities in organisations like ODP and SVYM to acquire first-hand experience of their work and philosophy. Femida’s research and teaching hovers around the non-profit sector, volunteering, philanthropy and micro finance. She did her MA, MES and PhD from York University, Toronto, Canada, but her bachelors degree is from the University of Pune in India.

She started her academic career in 1985 from York University and moved on to the University of Pennsylvania in 2004.

The team is scheduled to visit Chamundi Hill,  Folklore Museum in Manasagangothri, Amba Vilas Palace, St Philomena Church and other places.