MUMBAI: The Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) recently had the privilege of hosting Mr. Mike Hankey, the Honorable US Consul General in Mumbai. The visit aimed to foster collaboration in skill development, university collaborations, the development of Women Entrepreneurs, and exploring potential partnerships between India and the United States.
Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of SSPU, warmly welcomed Mr. Hankey to Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU)
She introduced SSPU, highlighting its mission and vision. Dr. Mujumdar also shared the research about skill education, which led to the establishment of the Symbiosis Skill Universities (Symbiosis Skills and Professional University and Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences). She emphasized the university’s unique pedagogy, which focuses on experiential learning and a hands-on approach to education.
Accompanying Mr. Hankey during the visit was Ms. Behrooz K.Y. Avari, Director of Education Outreach at the US Consulate General in Mumbai. Together, they had the opportunity to explore the skill centers and interact with students enrolled in skill-based courses, particularly in high-tech areas and Industry 4.0.
One of the highlights of the visit was Mr. Hankey’s interaction with women undergoing training in areas such as Electric Vehicles (EV), Industrial Automation, and other essential skills. He was impressed by the practical approach and the relevance of the courses being offered at SSPU.
SSPU also runs short-term programs targeted at economically marginalized sections of society. As a gesture of appreciation, women from the Pimpri Chinchwad Area, who were trained under this initiative, presented Mr. Hankey with a handmade bag featuring a slogan related to Wari, an annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur.
Furthermore, discussions were held during the visit regarding the possibility of initiating Fulbright programs in skill development. The joint statement that India and the United States issued during the Honorable Prime Minister’s recent visit to the US emphasized skill development as a key focus area for collaboration between the two countries.
The visit of Mr. Mike Hankey to Symbiosis Skills and Professional University marks an important step in strengthening ties between India and the United States in the field of skill development. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to exploring avenues of cooperation and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
 recently had the privilege of hosting Mr. Mike Hankey, the Honorable US Consul General in Mumbai. The visit aimed to foster collaboration in skill development, university collaborations, the development of Women Entrepreneurs, and exploring potential partnerships between India and the United States.){kind=link}