Last week, the West Midlands played host to an inspiring welcome event for newly arrived Indian students in the UK — an evening that combined culture, guidance, and community in equal measure.
Dr Venkatachalam Murugan, India’s top diplomat in the Midlands, opened the gathering by encouraging students to regard the Embassy as their “home away from home.” His words set the tone for a thoughtful and supportive evening, reflecting the broader role the Indian diaspora plays in fostering connections between students and institutions.
The event, compered by students Ramdas Pai and Dhaneshree, featured keynote speeches, two panel discussions, Q&A sessions, cultural performances, and a dinner showcasing flavours from across India. The first panel, “Life in the UK: Challenges & Way Forward,” explored the practical and emotional realities of studying abroad, with contributions from Dr Rohit Sharma, Sunil Kumar Mahay, and Andrew Monksfield, HM Inspector for Immigration.
The second panel, “Connecting Education, Work & Student Welfare,” highlighted pathways for professional and academic growth, featuring Sarika Dubey, Gurbinder Saggu, and Professor Devendra Kodwani.
A special highlight was video messages from Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Raveena Tandon, who encouraged students to “stay grounded, stay ambitious, and stay true to your values — because the world will see India through you.”
With approximately 107,500 Indian students currently enrolled in UK higher education — 11,400 of them in the West Midlands alone — such events provide crucial support, guidance, and networking opportunities for those beginning their journeys far from home.
The evening radiated energy, warmth, and optimism. Beyond cultural performances and keynote speeches, the event was a reminder of the importance of community and mentorship for international students navigating new environments.
For these students, and for the institutions welcoming them, events like this are more than ceremonial: they are a practical and emotional bridge between two nations, offering reassurance, advice, and inspiration as students begin the next chapter of their lives.
