Representatives of Central University of Karnataka and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia, posing for photograph after signing a Memorandum of Understanding in Kalaburagi.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In a significant step towards enhancing international academic collaboration, the Central University of Karnataka recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia. The agreement aims to facilitate student and faculty exchange, joint research initiatives and collaborative educational programmes.

Emphasising the importance of global academic partnerships, Vice-Chancellor Battu Satyanarayana said that educational MoUs between international universities help in the creation and sharing of new knowledge and resources, apart from fostering strong bilateral ties between nations.

“This MoU is a long-term investment in mutual growth, providing wider opportunities for our faculty and students to engage with global academia. Students and faculty from Central University will soon visit the University of Latvia and their counterparts in the University of Latvia will visit us,” he said, expressing optimism about the upcoming academic exchanges.

Highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage, he invited the Latvian delegates to explore learning opportunities in the country.

Director and UNESCO Chair at Vidzeme University Agita Livina lauded the collaboration, expressing confidence in the MoU’s potential.

“This partnership will help us develop critical thinking, logical decision-making skills and provide avenues for research in culture, heritage, tourism and skill development,” she remarked.

Central University Registrar R.R. Biradar described the occasion as a historic moment for the university.

“Latvia is known for its strong focus on tourism development. This collaboration will greatly benefit our Tourism Department,” he noted.

Head of the Department of Tourism and Hotel Management in the university G. Mahendar elaborated on the objectives of the MoU.

He highlighted areas of collaboration such as academic and scholarly exchange, joint research, faculty development and the organisation of seminars and workshops.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, the YUVA Tourism Club, an initiative promoted by the Union Ministry of Tourism, was inaugurated.

The club aims to engage students in activities that promote and preserve tourism destinations and heritage sites.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Igers Anderson, Ilgrivs Abols and Agita Smitina from Vidzeme University alongside Central University faculty members Panduranga Patti, Vijayakumar, Zohair, Ganapati B. Sinnor, Naveenkumar, Shiva, Jagadish Biradar, Nataraj Patted and D. Goutam.

Students from both universities participated enthusiastically.