On Winning FIC Grant, 2021

These pictures depict my journey (during 2015-16) as a guest speaker to various Middle and High schools, and Colleges in USA.

On Winning FIC Grant, 2021

And this year, (due to pandemic) all my guest lectures would be virtual. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to exciting, learn-with-fun sessions with American students soon.

FIC Grant selects only 23 Fulbright scholars across the world.

Happy, Honored, Humbled! 

...if I summarize my emotions after winning the prestigious FIC Grant, 2021 ('Fulbright In Classroom' grant), that selects only 23 Fulbright scholars across the world.

Fulbright Association offers this grant to conduct sessions with Middle and High schools, and Community Colleges in the United States.

Specifically, this grant is to connect with K-through-College classrooms nationwide (anywhere across USA) that serve under-represented communities, specifically students of color, students at community colleges, and those in rural areas.

These sessions are to help American students understand and appreciate international cultures and traditions.

The pictures, above, depict my journey (during 2015-16) as a guest speaker to various Middle and High schools, and Colleges in USA.

Since the beginning, I have been much interested in knowing people irrespective of their caste, color and creed, and sharing my perspectives with them.

That’s the reason why, I have been participating as a volunteer student in various cultural exchange programs since my college days.

Also, as a Fulbright Foreign language teaching assistant, I have been quite a bit active in cultural exchange opportunities, in addition to my teaching role.

At the University of Montana, I enjoyed interacting with many different types of students, faculty, staff and community members. 

I represented India as a cultural ambassador on various occasions like festivals and cultural fairs, and gave guest lectures on campus as well as at several high schools. 

I also used my artistic talents to fundraise for a number of NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] and social service groups, as well as for the university.

The University’s Foreign Student and Scholar Services office recognized my efforts by rewarding me with ‘Distinguished Service and Outreach Award, 2016’.

As far as the unique opportunities posed by the education systems of the United States go, I would say it really helped me to know people from different cultures, nations and backgrounds.

As an educator, I gained insight into hands-on understanding of the best teaching methodologies and world-class learning practices followed at U.S. universities.

Upon my return to India, I used my knowledge and skills to gain better results both in teaching and training.

I strongly believe ‘FIC Grant’ is going to be a wonderful opportunity for me to share my culture that truly believes in the Sanskrit phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means 'The World Is One Family'.

I am curious to answer queries from the participating students, and also willing to help them understand,

Life is about appreciating the similarities and, respecting the differences.

And this year, (due to pandemic) all my guest lectures would be virtual. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to exciting, learn-with-fun sessions with American students soon.

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