Delegation from University of Illinois visits BHU

Varanasi, January 19, 2011: A delegation from University of Illinois, USA visited Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and called on the vice-chancellor Professor Dhirendra Pal Singh at VC Lodge here on Wednesday.

The delegation comprised of Dr. Hao Feng, associate professor of Food and Bio-Process Engineering, Dr. Mary P Arends-Kuenning, associate professor of Economics Demography and International Development, Dr. Mindy Mallory, assistant professor of Agricultural Marketing and Policy of University of Illinois discussed at a length on the propose USAID programme with the professor Singh.

A BHU delegation under the leadership of vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh had visited University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA in May-June last year and signed a MoU with the university in the field of agricultural sciences.

It may be mentioned here that USAID programme comprising of a Consortium of various US Universities with BHU is in advance stage of implementation. Several delegations from different US universities have been visiting BHU in the past. The programme is likely to be launched in February next.

This initiative will give an international exposure to agriculture research, extension and teaching in India as a whole and BHU in particular. In this reference the delegation from University of Illinois is on exploratory visit to BHU.

The delegation also held meeting with all the head of departments of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, under the chairmanship of director before meeting with vice-chancellor. The delegation also visited various laboratories and departments of IAS, BHU.

They showed keen interest in post harvest technology, food sciences, agriculture economics, bioprocess engineering, and other fields of agricultural sciences. They inquired about status of BHU as a national university and expressed their interests in multi-faculty structure of BHU.

Vice-chancellor Singh told them about Institute of Agricultural Sciences as well as Rajiv Gandhi South Campus and strength of BHU in agriculture and rural development. In response to a question regarding fee structure to study in BHU, vice-chancellor said higher education is very subsidized as compare to higher education in west.

Professor Hao Feng, who basically belongs to China, said he is very impressed with the growing and strong economy of India. The contribution of agriculture in the Indian GDP was discussed. Dr Mindy L Mallory inquired about migration from rural area to city. It was discussed that migration is affecting rural economy. Director, Dean of Agricultural Sciences, Coordinator Food Sciences, and Chairman of PPP Cell and International Cell also attended the meeting.

Photo caption: From top BHU vice-chancellor professor DP Singh holds meeting with the delegation from University of Illinois, US, at V-C lodge in Varanasi on January 19, 2011.

BHU vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh felicitates the visiting University of Illinois delegates by presenting them mementos in Varanasi on January 19, 2011.

Photo and News: PPP Cell-BHU