MADURAI, INDIA— On June 21, 2024 Dr. Daniel Ezhilarasu, the regional coordinator of INCHE in India, Dr. A. Umesh Samuel, the principal of CSI Bishop Solomon Doraiswamy College of Arts and Science, and Dr. Shirley Roels, Executive Director of INCHE participated in a consultation focused on strategizing and planning the roadmap for INCHE in India for the upcoming biennium (2024-2026). Hosted graciously by Lady Doak College, the meeting emphasized expanding the network, enhancing academic excellence, and promoting the distinctive aspects of Christian higher education.
Students from Lady Doak College open the consultation.
One priority was the continued expansion of the INCHE network in India and throughout the region. To this end, area coordinators were set up for the north and south regions of the country as well as one focused on recruiting Christian higher education institutions from outside India. A secretariat for the INCHE – India chapter will be established at Nazareth College of Arts & Science, Avadi, Chennai. Mr. Henry Maris has agreed to act as secretary.
Another priority was continued institutional development in the areas of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global ranking and accreditation, research and development, and shared scholarly research. Local and webinar programming will be developed by experts in the region to address these topics. Member institutions are encouraged to participate in the European conference scheduled for April 2025, both as attendees and presenters.
The participants also explored ways that they can strengthen ties between institutions and members. These included sharing expertise and resources among member institutions, facilitating joint research projects. semester abroad programs, and collaborative research publications.
The consultation concluded with a robust plan for expanding and strengthening the INCHE network in India, emphasizing academic excellence, research and the unique contributions of Christian higher education.
