Hyderabad-born US City Councillor Ashfaq Syed meets OU VC Prof Kumar to discuss academic ties
Ashfaq Syed, a native of Hyderabad and the first Indian-American elected to the Naperville City Council, visited Osmania University
By Newsmeter Network
First Indian-American Naperville City Councillor Ashfaq Syed who is also a native of Hyderabad calls on OU VC, discusses academic ties with US institutions
Hyderabad: Ashfaq Syed, a native of Hyderabad and the first Indian-American elected to the Naperville City Council, visited Osmania University to meet with Vice-Chancellor Prof Kumar Molugaram.
The high-profile courtesy call aimed to establish a ‘global knowledge bridge’ between Osmania University and premier academic centres in the United States.
Focus on modernisation and Innovation
The discussion between Councilman Syed and Prof. Molugaram centred on the critical role universities play in contemporary nation-building.
As global industries shift toward automation and digital-first economies, the leaders explored three key pillars for institutional growth:
1. Curriculum Alignment: Updating academic frameworks to match emerging global technology trends.
2. Entrepreneurial Culture: Fostering a research-driven environment that encourages student-led startups.
3. Institutional Governance: Implementing strategies to enhance faculty development and administrative excellence.
Strengthening global ties
The visit signalled a potential new chapter for Osmania University’s international outreach. Syed has risen to political prominence in Illinois, emphasising that the university’s legacy is a powerful tool for shaping future global leaders.
Proposed collaborative initiatives discussed during the meeting include:
- Faculty and student exchange programs to facilitate cross-cultural learning.
- Joint research projects focused on cutting-edge technology and digital education.
- Collaborative knowledge platforms to democratise access to high-quality higher education.
“Strengthening the ties between Indian and American institutions is essential for equipping the next generation with the competencies required for a globalised workforce,” Syed remarked during the visit.
Looking toward the future
Prof Molugaram welcomed the Councilman’s insights, noting that such diplomatic and academic intersections are vital for the university’s ongoing reform and global engagement strategy.
He reiterated the university’s commitment to building ‘strong people-to-people ties’ that allow students to compete and excel on a global stage.
As Hyderabad continues to grow as a global tech hub, this visit underscores the increasing importance of the Indian diaspora in fostering international partnerships that benefit the next generation of scholars.
