JGU Dean is first Indian academic appointed to Cambridge International’s SHEAC
Published on May 19, 2025
By IANS
- SONIPAT (HARYANA) — In an unprecedented educational honour for Indian
academics, Prof (Dr) Upasana Mahanta, Dean of Admissions and Outreach at O.P.
Jindal Global University (JGU), has been appointed as the First Indian to the
Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council (SHEAC) formed by Cambridge
International.
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- This is the first time India is being represented at this
global platform.
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- SHEAC brings together senior leaders in admissions and
student recruitment from some of the world’s most distinguished academic
institutions -- including the University of Oxford, MIT, University of
Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Monash University. The Council plays a
vital role in shaping the recognition, relevance, and future direction of Cambridge
qualifications globally, ensuring they remain responsive to the changing
dynamics of higher education worldwide.
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- Prof Mahanta’s appointment is a significant recognition
of the growing leadership of India in global academic forums. An Indian voice
at SHEAC brings much-needed representation and perspective from the Global
South to critical conversations impacting higher education. Her experience and
leadership will make India’s role even more influential on international
platforms like Cambridge. This appointment, a first for an Indian academic,
will help in getting global recognition for the country’s achievements in the
field of education.
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- Reflecting on her appointment, Prof Mahanta shared: “It’s
an incredible honour to join this global group of educators and policy leaders.
I see this as an opportunity to represent not just JGU but also the aspirations
of students and educators across India and the Global South. The world of
education is transforming, and it’s vital that this transformation is guided by
voices that are diverse, grounded, and globally minded.”
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- Commenting on the news, Prof (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding
Vice Chancellor of JGU, said, “This is a proud moment for JGU and for India.
Prof Upasana Mahanta’s appointment shows that the work we are doing here -- our
values, our vision, our commitment to inclusive education -- resonates
globally. As a university from the Global South, we believe in building
bridges, not walls. We are honoured that our voice will now help shape the
future of education at an international level.”
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- In a time of rapid change -- when higher education is
being reshaped by technology, global migration, climate challenges, and
shifting ideas of what learning should look like -- representation matters more
than ever. This appointment is a reminder that some of the most important ideas,
innovations, and leadership in education are coming from places like India. Dr
Mahanta’s selection to the SHEAC Council is a big step for India as it will
increase the country’s ability to raise a strong voice globally in the
education sector.
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- O.P. Jindal Global University has been playing a
pioneering role in India in making admission processes more accessible,
inclusive, and student-focused. Founded in 2009, JGU has grown into one of
India’s top private universities, with a strong international outlook. Recognised
as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India, JGU is home to twelve
schools, over 500 academic partnerships worldwide, and a stellar reputation for
excellence in law, liberal arts, international affairs, and the social
sciences.
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