Experiences with Amma
Preparing Global Citizens
V. Narayanamurti
John A. and Elizabeth S. Armstrong Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences,
Dean of the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Dean of Physical Sciences
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
With the advent of the internet and the enormous impact of information technology, we are now witnessing a worldwide transformation of how we live and learn. The founding by Amma of Amrita University in the 1990's is an important experiment in developing a new breed of educated and learned citizens. Its attempts to reach out to other global universities and to employ the EDU Satellite Network for education will pay rich dividends for our future.
About three and a half years ago, I met the vice-chancellor of Amrita University, and he suggested to me that we develop new ties between the United States and Amrita University. About a dozen of universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding, so that we could actually work together. This agreement included the University of California, Princeton, Harvard and other many leading universities. The impact on socially relevant and educated citizens to enhance the environment, global health and medicine can never be overestimated. Through her ceaseless efforts Amma has reached out across continents and brought a message of hope and deep concern for the quality of life. I look forward to interacting and collaborating with colleagues at Amrita for years to come to enhance the education and training of truly global citizens.