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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 29, 2024 | The Indian Eye 27

YOGESH JOSHI program at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of

Joins UCF’s Inaugural Indian Singapore and previously taught at the Yale-NUS College. He was a Visiting
Fellow at Carnegie India and Carnegie Endowment in addition to other pres-
tigious appointments and received a doctorate in International Politics from
Community Endowed Chair Jawaharlal Nehru University.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the future of The India Center and said,
“Reflecting on my upbringing from a small Himalayan town, I am constantly
reminded of the transformative power of education and social mobilization.”
Joshi added, “As we embark on this journey together, my vision for the India
Center is ambitious yet clear. We seek to explore and understand contem-
porary India’s role in the world from science and technology to medicine, to
business and economics to its role in global affairs.
“Together, we can empower and make real change in the lives of many
Americans and Indians.”
At the Investiture Ceremony, College of Sciences Dean Maggy Tomova
said, “Community and culture are the key focus areas for UCF’s strategic
plan. It is so important that students feel a connection to the campus and to
each other as they complete their studies.”
During the ceremony, several donors along with the Founding Chairs or
members of their family —the Deshpande, Mehta, and Toleti families—who
were instrumental in establishing the endowed position were recognized.
Representatives from Knights Khayal, a desi music group at UCF, performed
a special Carnatic piece entitled, “Vatapi ganapatim.”
n November 4, 2024, The India Center at the University of Central Provost Michael D. Johnson explained the significance of the moment
Florida, UCF created a milestone moment, establishing its inaugural and said, “UCF is enriched by a significant number of Indian American fac-
OIndian Community Endowed Chair and Director, Yogesh Joshi, Ph.D., ulty, staff, and students, with Indian students representing the largest group
in a celebratory Investiture Ceremony. of international graduate students at UCF.” Johnson added, “An endowed
The India Center was established in 2012 with a vision to be the nation’s professorship is a tremendous investment in The India Center’s future, and
preeminent location for the study of contemporary India’s role in the world, we greatly appreciate our Founding Chairs and all the donors who made this
providing educational programs, research, and outreach to the Indian com- possible.”
munity in Florida and beyond. The India Center is part of the School of Poli-
tics, Security, and International Affairs in the College of Sciences, headed by To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
Director and Professor Bruce Wilson. our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
Before joining UCF, Joshi led the National Security and Foreign Policy

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