News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know South Asian Trailblazer Leads Maryland’s Higher Education: A Journey from India to Impact D r. Sanjay Rai’s journey from central India to becoming Maryland’s Secretary of Higher Education is a powerful testament to the promise of education and perseverance. As the first immigrant and first South Asian to lead the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Dr. Rai, shares insights from his transformative academic path across India, Canada, and the U.S., and offers valuable advice to South Asian students aspiring to study in America. In this exclusive interview with South Asian Herald, Dr. Rai discusses Maryland’s robust higher education landscape, the state’s growing international student population – particularly from India – and the role of global perspective in shaping future-ready graduates. Tell us a little bit about your background? I grew up in central India and was a first-generation high school graduate. Realizing the importance of education for social and economic mobility, I went on to obtain degrees from three interna- tional systems of higher education, India (undergraduate), Canada (graduate) and the United States (Ph.D.). Throughout my career, I have held various positions in higher education, from professor to senior administrator, at community colleges and public and private four-year institutions. Now, I am honored to be the first im- migrant and first South Asian to have the tremendous opportunity to serve as the Secretary of the Maryland Higher Educa- tion Commission (MHEC). I am deeply thankful to GovernorWes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and the people of the great state of Maryland for entrusting me to be in a position that en- ables me to lead one of the best and most comprehensive higher education systems in the country. You came to the U.S. as an international student over 30 years ago and have been able to find great success in your studies and career. What advice would you give to South Asian stu- dents who are considering studying in the U.S? The U.S. has the best higher educa- tion system in the world. It’s unparalleled in terms of quality and relevance to the global society and, most certainly, to busi- ness and industry. The country’s institu- tions of higher learning provide skills that employers seek in the areas of research and innovation, skills that are fueling the emerging segments of our national and global economies such as start-ups and existing ventures. Students from South Asian countries have historically taken full advantage of this world class system and been able to make their marks in a number of professions, namely as CEOs and high-level executives leading compa- nies like Microsoft, Google, IBM, etc. Each entered the country as an international student and can now serve as a role model to those interested in attending college or university in the U.S. Why do you feel it is important for students to have a global perspective? The number of international students (1.1 million) attending schools across the U.S and the number of students from around the country choosing to study abroad are prime examples that the world is becoming increasingly globalized. With a growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations on each other, it is essential that all students know and understand different languages and practices. Many times, the best way to gain knowledge and understanding is by immersing yourself in the very thing you seek to learn more about. How does Maryland rank in the number of international students in comparison to other states? As noted, there are over 1.1 million international students attending colleges and universities throughout the United States, representing 6 percent of the total higher education population in the country. Maryland ranks 16th in the na- tion for international student enrollment with over 22,000 students. That number represents 7 percent of those who choose to study in the U.S. These statistics make it clear that international students play a critical role in our higher education system. So, we know about 7 percent of international students who come to the U.S. choose to study in Maryland. Tell us more about the types of pro- grams offered to students in Maryland and the opportunities they may have after graduation? Maryland’s higher education institu- tions are some of the best in the coun- try. Institutions like the University of Maryland College Park, Morgan State University, and Johns Hopkins University offer high quality academic and research programs in areas such as artificial intelli- gence, engineering, quantum computing, biotechnology, business, cybersecurity, medicine, and education to name a few. The presence of government agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and private entities like Lockheed Martin and Astra Zeneca allows our institutions to collaborate and extend experiential learning opportunities where students can use the skills gained in school to work, grow, and thrive. India recently surpassed China as the leading origin country for international students in the U.S. What does that mean for recruitment in Maryland? Yes. India has overtaken China as the leading origin country for international students in the U.S. During the 2023- 24 academic year, over 331,600 Indian students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, according to the Institute of International Education. China has just under 277,400 students enrolled. Inter- national students provide significant aca- demic, cultural, and economic contribu- tions to the country, their campuses, and the state of Maryland. So, we always look forward to welcoming them to study and stay in Maryland. Maryland’s international students contributed nearly $930 million to the state in 2023 alone. We know South Asians, yourself included, and the children and families of those who came to the U.S. as students have contributed many resources to Maryland and beyond. Tell us about some of the work you and others have done both for the state and across the diaspora? Let me begin by expressing my deep- est gratitude to everyone who gave us an opportunity and provided an environ- ment where we could be successful. Now, we have the responsibility to give back to the community that gave so much to us. South Asians are contributing to com- munity advancement, philanthropy, and the overall economic competitiveness of the state and nation. Particularly notewor- thy are our contributions in healthcare, information technology, life sciences, and higher education. I worked with the county to develop international economic and educational partnerships prior to my current role at MHEC. You worked with the State of Maryland on international efforts before coming to MHEC; and as Secretary, you still play a role in the in- ternational space. How will you ensure that the international work you are doing at MHEC now continues into the future? Higher education will continue to play a central role in economic develop- ment and competitiveness for the state. In Maryland, we are global leaders in life sciences, information technology, and business. This is not by circumstance. It is a focused effort that we are expanding further. MHEC will continue to partner with the Office of the Secretary of State and other state, federal, and global organi- zations to promote the importance of in- ternational study and exchange programs for Maryland students and those students from across the globe who are interested in beginning or continuing their educa- tional journeys in the U.S., specifically in Maryland. -(Used under special arrangement with South Asian Herald) By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald Secretary of Maryland Higher Education Commission, Dr. Sanjay Rai. PHOTO:MHEC Ambassador Sreenivasan Launches Registration For Global Malayalee Festival In August ing underprivileged individuals. The major events of the festival include the first ever Global Malayalee Trade and Technology Meet, Miss Global Malayalee Pageant, and the Global Malayalee Ratna Awards, during a concluding ceremony. “Malayalees from all over theWorld are invited to attend this great event, espe- cially the new generation, born and raised outside Kerala. The Festival will be a perfect opportunity for the young genera- tion to seek and @explore their roots and heritage,” organizers are quoted saying in the press release. Global Malayalee Trade, Technology and Investment Meet is a major focus of the Festival. It plans to bring global lead- ers, visionaries, and innovations under the themes of Innovation, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation. Referring to the other two major events that are part of the Festival, Miss Global Malayalee Pageant and Global Malayalee Ratna Awards, Chief Executive Officer of the Festiva Andrew Pappachen, said, “Global Malayalee Festival is for every Ma- layalee around theWorld, especially the new generation born and brought up in a foreign country giving them an opportu- nity to explore their heritage and link with the Malayalee culture.” Managing Director of the Festival Ab- dulla Manjeri, noted that the meeting will revolve around four themes: 1. Innovating for a sustainable future, 2. Global Trade in the Digital Age, 3. Bridging Markets East MeetsWest, and, 4.The future of Trade, Trends and Predictions. The Meet will feature keynote address- es from thought leaders, interactive work- shops, and panel discussions, networking opportunities with the potential to foster collaborations that transcend borders. Abdullah urged all Global Malayalee busi- ness persons to join the Trade, Technol- ogy, and Investment Meet scheduled for August 16. For more information, contact Abdulla Manjeri at: cmd@globalmalayaleefesti- val.com . Early registration until May 15 includes a 20% discount, which includes two two-night stays and all the meals, for Rs.20,000 for a single person, Rs. 26,400 for double, and Rs.6,400 for each child. To register online, visit: www.globalmalay- aleefestival.com or write to registration@ globalmalayaeefestival.com . - Continued From Page 10 Community News India Times (April 12, 2025 - April 18, 2025) April 18, 2025 12