1. 1.1.1. ERASMUS MUNDUS ASSOCIATION - INDIA (EMA-I)
By
Vijita Singh
Nivedita Singh
Arvind Upadhyay
1.1.1.1. Introduction to the Erasmus Mundus Association - INDIA (EMA-I)
EMA-I, i.e. EMA Indian Chapter, was established in December 2007. EMAI is established
with an aim to promote European higher education and Europe as a centre of excellence in
the field of higher education to the Indian students. The organization is registered as a
voluntary non-profit organization. As of April 2010, EMAI has more than 600 members. The
organization aims to work in tandem with the overall goal of Erasmus Mundus Association to
enhance the visibility and attractiveness of European higher education in India and build
value for potential students, alumni, participating universities, potential employers and the
like by helping them find common ground and right fits. EMA, India organizes various events
with the support of Erasmus Mundus Association and other stakeholders to increase the
awareness of the initiative in India.
POSITION NAME COUNTRY EMAIL
1.1.1.2. Activities carried out during fiscal year 2009
I. An International seminar on “Quality of professional Education in the present era”:
An International seminar was organized by Erasmus Mundus Association - India (EMA-I), IE
(I), Uttrakhand State Centre and The Indian Association of Teacher Educators, IATE This
was a wonderful opportunity for the intellectuals to come together and share their ideas on
the professional education and its role in human resource development.
The conference was a big success with Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal "Nishank" Hon'ble Chief
Minister, Govt. of Uttarakhand was the chief guest Guests of Honour. Prof. D.S. Chauhan
Vice-chancellor, Uttarakhand Technical University, Prof. Girijesh Pant Vice-Chancellor, Doon
University, Dehradun. Prof. S.P. Mishra. Vice-Chancellor, Dev Sanskriti Vishwa vidyalaya,
Shantikunj, Haridwar were the eminent scholars present.
Next day was fun filled when the Erasmus Mundus scholars thought of having a blast all of
us we went to Sahastra Dhara which is located 14 km from Dehradun this is a famous picnic
spot which has waterfalls which are noted for their astounding beauty these are medicinal
sulphur waterfalls.

2. Fig. 1. Nivedita Singh the coordinator of this event with the publications of the Seminar.
II. Information event of Erasmus Mundus Programme
Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association, India organized an information event of Erasmus
Mundus Programme dedicated to students, researchers and scholars on 23 of September
2009 in the university seminar hall.
The programme was organized with the objective to provide access to information for global
professional education. It was an endeavor to accentuate the levels of understanding of
opportunities offered by Erasmus mundus programme to Indian students. The programme
was presided over by Her Excellency ambassador of European Commission, Mrs. Daniele
Samdja and Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of GGSPIU Prof. D.K Bandopadhyay.
Mrs. Daniele Samdja spoke about the benefits of EU-India higher education networks and
promotion of mobility activities for students and scholars. She said that Erasmus Mundus
programme is a targeted response to speed up the effort required to manage changes in
higher education worldwide. She highlighted that the programme is an endeavour towards
excellent multicultural teaching and learning exposure.
Ms. Francesca Pessina, Program Manager, European Commission, highlighted that at
present more than 100 students are studying abroad and Erasmus Mundus II is focused on
increasing awareness for foreign education among Asian countries. Dr. Sidsel Handsson,
Project Manager, Lund University spoke about the Erasmus Mundus Window Lot 15, India.
Dr. Sunita Singh talked about application process of Erasmus Mundus programme.
Dr. Vijita Aggarwal, president, Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association talked about the triple
benefits of cultural, personal and professional aspects of being an Erasmus Mundus scholar.
A video portraying study in Europe caught the audience spell bound. This was followed by a
Query session and high tea.
http://www.delind.ec.europa.eu/newsevents-details.asp?id=32&prYear=2009&xmon=Sep
Fig. 1. Ambassador HE Daniel Samjda being presented the Momento by Vice Chancellor.

3. Fig. 2. Audience at the information event.
Fig. 3. Ambassador HE Daniel Samjda speaking at the event.
EMAI was an active partner in Erasmus Mundus Information dissemination events.
Three Universities of Delhi organized information event on the Erasmus Mundus
programme, dedicated to the students, researchers and scholars. Responsible staff of this
Delegation, together with the Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association India, our partner in
this initiative, In this we presented and explained in detail the Erasmus Mundus programme,
its concepts, its facts, its procedures (application, selection). Interaction and question and
answers with students and staff followed.
These events were of 2-3 hours duration and attracted considerable interest among students
and academics and these were attended with an audience of 200 people.
III. Information event of Erasmus Mundus Programme
Conference Venue: Jamia Millia Islamia University, Ansari Auditorium
Audience: Students and Scholars of JMI University
Objective: Providing information on the Erasmus Mundus programme as a tool for brain
circulation, cultural and academic exchanges and enhanced carrier opportunities
IV. Information event of Erasmus Mundus Programme
Date: 26 October 2009

4. Number of EMA Alumni:
Budget Amount used: Nil (Local resource Mobilisation)
Conference Venue: Delhi University, Conference Centre
Audience: Students and Scholars of Delhi University
Objective: Providing information on the Erasmus Mundus programme as a tool for brain
circulation, cultural and academic exchanges and enhanced carrier opportunities
In these events Mr. Hans Schoof, Head of operations, European Commission presented
Rationale: Erasmus from Europe to Third countries, Erasmus Mundus Programme outline,
Fact and figures for India and the World and theFuture perspectives.
Ms. Francesca Pessina, European Commission, Programme Manager threw light on
EM -Action 1 "Masters and doctorates" – description , How can a student apply under EM-
Action 1,
Dr. Vijita Aggarwal, Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association, President shared her
experiences of A real life experience from the student perspective; obstacles encountered,
practical arrangements and openings for future carrier
Dr. Sidsel Hansson, Lund University, Project Manager Erasmus Mundus External
Cooperation Window Lot 13 India EM action 2 (former EM-ECW) "Partnership with third
countries"– description , How can an Indian University participate to a consortium and win a
grant under Action 2. , How can an Indian student apply to Action 2 , The project led by Lund
University.
V. Information Conference on Management and Professionalization of Higher Education.
EMAI organized a 2 day conference on Management and Professionalization of Higher
Education in India. The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency, Mr. Jerome
Bonaffont – the French Ambassador to India in the presence of Prof. D.K. Bandyopadhyay -
the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, GGSIPU, members of the EMAI and students and faculty of the
university
Mr. Jerome Bonnafont in his key note address emphasized the need of improving the quality
of professional education to prepare the students to face a highly dynamic and a competitive
global environment. He also emphasized the bilateral cooperation between India and France
in promoting higher education and elaborated the pre requisites of the Indian students willing
to take up a career in France. Prof. Bandyopadhyay reitereated the need to introduce
innovative measures in providing quality education to the students for survival and
sustenance in today’s knowledge economy.
This was followed by a presentation on EMAI by Vina Vaswani providing information on
various initiatives under the Erasmus Mundus Program to attract Indian students to the
Institutions of Higher Learning in Europe and promote interuniversity collaboration between
India and Europe.
The second session of the event conducted on November 6, 2009 was an expert panel
discussion on different aspects of Management and professionalization of higher education
that was initiated by Prof. Anu Singh Lather Director International Affairs, elaborating the role
of universities in promoting the professionalization of higher education.
The second day began with the paper presentations. These papers were evaluated by Prof.
Vinay Nangia - Head, Management Dept, IIT Roorkee and Prof. K. Sriniwas - Dean,
International Relation, Delhi University.

5. The second day concluded with the Valedictory session. The chief guest for the session was
Mr. Hans Schoof - Head Co-operation, European Union Delegation for India, Nepal and
Bhutan
Fig. 1. EMAI and IFAN members with H.E. Jerome Bonnafont and VC Prof Bandyopadhyay
Fig. 2. EMAI Members at the conference
Fig. 3. Winners of the paper presentation along with Mr. Hans Schoof, Prof. Vinay Nangia Prof.
K. Sriniwas ,Prof. Anu Singh Lather and Dr. Vijita S. Aggarwal
VI. Lifelong Learning - Learn and Serve
“Lifelong Learning - Learn and Serve”- The event was aimed at bringing together people
from different walks of life who would donate their time to make a difference in somebody’s
life. The event helped to showcase some of the competences beyond the routine and in
process making the world happier and meaningful place for the large section of the society.
Erasmus Mundus alumni and others offered learning sessions in their areas of learning and
specialization to others who will pay for them. The proceeds of this went to an identified NGO

6. - Samanvay. People were very forthcoming for the event, the drinks were sponsored by the
one of the members of EMAI Mr Manoj Kumar. The venue was made available again by
EMAI member Ms Vijita Singh
The theme “Live and Learn” was intriguing for a lot of people as the invite said charity
without loosening your pockets and a evening promising fun for all. The guests received a
pleasant surprise by the grand affirmation to the idea of a party for everyone. The turnout
was huge and familiar devoid of any intimidation owing to participation of varying age groups.
The diverse tastes were dually acknowledged and looked after by the looks of a grand
display of feasible entertainment satiating the senses of vision (friendly acquaintance), taste
(myriad of drinks soft and hard at one’s beckoning), smells (diffusing from the tables well
laden with food), auditory (tasteful music, chatting and catching up) and lastly touch (hugs
and wishes of togetherness). To justify the archetypical fun; drinks, games, food kind of a
gala occasion; games were organized which ranged from the tattoo maker for kids and
adults, a magician who held the audience enraptured and variety of party games. There was
the bouncing castle for children to jump upon to glory (which they did for the best part of the
night rewarding all with animated expressions sunshine and light).
The star attraction of the evening was the “live and learn” skill auction. The amount
pertaining to the bids spanned from a mere 100 for a recipe extending up to 9000 rupees for
a 6 session course in gemology. The skills ranging from overseas post-graduate career
counseling, drawing (taken up by as a challenge for patience testing with a six year old),
gemology, cocktails concocting, dance (for a wedding recital on a bollywood song), to as
cheesy as spending a fixed amount of time with one’s spouse to as cheeky as appreciation
of the female form. The regular skills which were on offer were Microsoft Office crash course,
cookery lessons, classes in choreography, caricature, oil painting, candle making, public
speaking, and creative writing to name a few. You can watch the videos of bidding on the
You Tube just click on the links below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25To5dLnqBI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAMh4QP-_Xg&feature=related
Total amount gathered was Rs 46,700/- which was given to the NGO Samanvaya.
Fig. 1. Patient listening Nivedita and Arvind EMAI

7. Fig. 2. Even adults enjoyed the Tattoos Vijita EMAI getting it tattoed.
VII. A panel discussion on “Ethics and Material Progress in the Era of Globalization”
Erasmus Mundus Association India (EMAI) organized a panel discussion on “Ethics and
Material Progress in the Era of Globalization”, on February 18th, 2010. The event was
organized with the objective to highlight the ongoing global concern for ethical business
practices in a multidisciplinary perspective and emphasizing the need for sustainable
development. Among the audience were students, researchers and industry representatives
EMAI members and Samanvaya members.
The event entailed an expert panel discussion on different aspects of globalization and
related ethical issues. There were a total of 17 panelists in the two parallel sessions. The
discussions were lively, animated and jolted the audiences to different perspectives. After the
inauguration of the seminar discussion was initiated by Prof Navin Rajpal, Professor, USIT,
GGSIPU, who, in his introductory remarks, stressed upon the relevance of ethical business
practices across the globe and established it as the need of the hour, by stressing on some
of the grave issues that have come up in recent times and their consequences on the society
as a whole.
Thereafter, Dr. Kulvin Trehan, gave her perspectives on the concept of the world as a Global
Village and threw light on the ongoing trend of news-entertainment. She also raised the
ethical debate concerning “paid news” and the diminishing relevance of the front page news
in the daily newspapers. Dr. Aprajita Kashyap, Assistant Professor, also voiced her opinions.
Her emphasis was on the economics of Globalization and political soundness of countries.
She also drew attention towards the problem of terrorism and the concept of divisive society
and established the intricate fabric that all countries share today. In her concluding remarks,
she stressed on the efforts that various governments have been making to check unethical
practices across the globe.
The panel also included Dr. Neena Sinha, who emphasized the imperative need for regard to
good employment practices and human rights. She used examples of companies such as
Coca-Cola and Adidas to illustrate the gravity of the issue and established a cause and effect
relationship between aggressive business strategies and unethical business practices in an
international perspective. Dr Anil Aggarwal highlighted the symbiosis between ethical
business practices and long term potential of business ventures. (The discussions were so
good that we intend to transcript the speeches and take them out as a booklet).Discussions
were followed by an exhaustive interaction session wherein the panel addressed the queries
and questions put up by the audience. Some of the clips of the event can be watched at the
links below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7HuMAbe8C8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7FEGL9gPdA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KWN4xprp1Y
The event was well received by all present and encouraged the audience to delve deeper
into the ethical dilemma concerning globalization. In one of the feedback sessions conducted
post the event; several audiences voices their concern over the ethical debate and
expressed their willingness to ensure fair business practices when they start with their
career. The event also received critical appreciation from the members of Samanvaya. When
asked to opine on the entire subject, Jaspal Singh, one of the members said that there is a
need to address such issues at larger scales, and as much as possible and that it is essential
to train public to incorporate ethical concerns into their decision making process at an early

8. stage, so that they may enter the corporate world with a vision and determination to effect
change. In another such interaction, Prabhas Ghai, a student of MBA at USMS said that the
event was an enriching experience and presented the innocent seeming phenomenon of
Globalization in a new light.
There were total of 70 audiences during the inauguration but the number swelled later and in
the parallel sessions there were around 82 people present. EMAI also got a lot to network
and promote the Erasmus Mundus program and there was a lot of interest about the program
and its prospects.
Fig. 1. Panelist Prof Neena Sinha and Prof Rajpal pose for the shutterbugs
VIII. A panel discussion on “India: Building Capacities for Public Private Partnerships”.
Erasmus Mundus Association – India organized a panel discussion on “India: Building
Capacities for Public Private Partnerships” on April 9, 2010, in collaboration with University
School of Management Studies. The event was organized with the objective to highlight the
ongoing concern Public Private Partnerships in a multidisciplinary perspective and
emphasizing the need for Building Capacities.
The Panel Discussion brought together academicians, professors, people from corporate
world and students under one roof where different issues and strategies involved in public
private partnership were discussed at large.
The event entailed an expert discussion on different aspects of Public Private Partnerships.
In one of the panel the discussion was initiated & introduced by Dr. Sangeeta Chauhan,
Head of Department (Education), University School Education(GGSIPU).
To make the discussion more democratic and to bring in students’ perspective, the panel
also included two students , who shared their knowledge, opinion on Building Capacities for
Public Private Partnerships.

9. Fig. 1. Panelists in action
Fig. 2. Member EMAI,Students and the Panelists
Fig. 3. The inaugration session
For some of the videos of the event please visit
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=cJF3l8Ymw8U&next=%2Fmy_videos
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=DGH4gQejIIg&next=%2Fmy_videos
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=ckO2MhMiVME&next=%2Fmy_videos
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=I8OudWlgHIQ&next=%2Fmy_videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXuw7LN6yoc
IX. Workshop on “Infrastructure Development and Management”
Erasmus Mundus Association – India: An initiative of European Commission aimed at
facilitating Inter University Cooperation. Organized a workshop on “Infrastructure
Development and Management” in collaboration with Jay Narayan Vyas University Jodhpur
Rajasthan – India.
The event was organized with the objective to highlight the ongoing concern for Infrastructure
in a multidisciplinary perspective and emphasizing the need for building capacities. Every
country, whether its developing country or developed, needs infrastructure planning. A good

10. planning and infrastructure will support in the development of the economy. Current five year
plan of India has an main focus on Infrastructure.
The event entailed parallel workshop sessions on different aspects of “Infrastructure
Development and Management”. After the opening of the session there were workshops
which had experts who discussed the various infrastructure issues these workshops also had
student participation and it was very invigorating to see the interaction of young minds with
the experts in the field.
Fig. 1. Panelists deep in discussions, along with reporter and students.
Fig. 2. Member EMAI,Students and the Panelists
To catch the live action log on to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NA2XmpSCLw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYPsT90V_08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l89G_-RJgwY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTI0kdpLf20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbCaOr_y33Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-tNtRX1mbI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wG09e-jjPk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83JUCkTTLXU
X. Publication of two books: Book Launch Event
Launch of Books
1. Quality in Higher Education: Means and Ways.

11. Fig. 1. Book Cover: Quality in Higher Education: Means and Ways.
2. Management and Professionalization of Higher Education.
Fig. 2. Book Cover: Management and Professionalization of Higher Education.
The material for the books was mainly from the papers which came for the Conference on
“Professionalization and Management of higher Education” 6-7 November. These books
were mainly contributed by the EMA fraternity. Eminent personalities like the Director Higher
Education Ministry of Higher Education India, Vice Chancellor of GGS I P University, Some
of the members of Indo French Alumni Association were present along with a strong group of
12 EMAI members.
There was a panel discussion by Dominique de Gasquet in charge inter university
cooperation Embassy of France in India and key mobiliser of IFAN, Arvind Upadhyay of
EMAI Prof DK Bandopadhyay and Manisha Verma Director Higher Education Ministry of
Higher Education India.
These panelists deliberated on the issues pertinent to higher education in India along with
the discussion on global contemporary realities.
Vice Chancellor Professor DK Bandopadhyay later launched the books formally. EMAI
offered 100 copies of the books for distribution amongst the guests. The book launch also
brought former Erasmus Mundus Students together by organisinational effort and
participation. The activity highlighted the academic aspect of the EM program and also as the
major literary contribution of this book has come from the Erasmus Mundus alumni. This
brought Erasmus Mundus Program closer to stakeholders in the wider academic community
who will be invited.
The books will serve as a long term visible assets that build relevant value to the EMAI
fraternity.

12. Fig. 3. Book Launch: Welcome of the Guests for Panel Discussion.
Fig. 4. Book Launch: Guests listening carefully to the panel discussion.
1.1.1.3. Plans for the future
The activities for the next year will primarily focus around giving better contextual focus and
intensification of the debates on issues of interest focusing in areas in which Erasmus
Mundus courses are focusing. An attempt will also be made to bring in best practices in
European Higher Education to India. This will also help build better visibility around the
initiative. The chapter could also facilitate building of inter university consortia within the
framework of Erasmus Mundus Initiative with participation of Indian Universities.
As regards challenges, significant challenge remains in expanding the reach of the activities
and include wider coverage across different geographies, nature of stakeholders and the
nature of activities.
1.1.1.4. Contact information
The chapter website is www.emai.in and email address is emai.india@yahoo.com.