Kolkata | August 10, 2026: Techno India University, in collaboration with NISAU UK and the UK Government, successfully hosted the India Global Education Dialogues (IGED) 2026, bringing together students and representatives from leading UK universities for an engaging session on global education, international opportunities and future careers. Held at Techno India University, Kolkata, the exclusive dialogue provided students with an opportunity to interact directly with university representatives, understand international admission processes, explore scholarships and gain insights into building successful global careers. The event served as a platform for students to look beyond conventional academic pathways and prepare themselves for an increasingly interconnected professional world.
The event was graced by Tim Bowles, First Mayor of the West of England; Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India; Sanam Arora, Founder and Chair, NISAU; Prof. (Dr.) Saikat Maitra, Vice Chancellor, Techno India University; and Dr. Gautam Majumdar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Techno India University. Their presence added significant value to the dialogue, bringing together perspectives from international education, diplomacy, leadership and academia.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Saikat Maitra highlighted the importance of developing skills that extend beyond academic qualifications. He noted that “employers across the world are seeking individuals who can think critically, solve problems, work with technology, communicate confidently, adapt to change and collaborate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds… Being global does not simply mean going abroad. It means developing a global mindset… Stay curious, learn continuously, build real skills, communicate well and never be afraid to explore beyond what is familiar.”
The dialogue also featured valuable perspectives from Dr. Andrew Fleming, who encouraged students to approach challenges with independent and lateral thinking. Advising them not to remain restricted by conventional definitions, he said, “Use some lateral thinking. Don’t be confined by what might be the textbook definition. Apply your thinking and your logic… Seize that power, be yourself, be brave and be bold, but be yourself.” Speaking about decision-making and self-belief, Mr. Andrew encouraged students to trust their own judgement rather than being overly influenced by parents, peers or social media.
Sonam Arora observed that the cost of failure has reduced significantly in today’s environment, making it easier for young people to experiment, learn and try again. Her message was clear: “The cost of failure has maybe gone down by three quarters now. So it is far easier and cheaper for you to fail. So fail. Fail more… 10 times you’ll fail, 20 times you’ll fail, 30th time you will be successful and that’s the only gig you need to be successful… The more authentic you are, the higher your chance of an AI picking up your application and saying this is not an AI generated application because also you are human at the end of the day.”
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Tim Bowles, encouraged students to approach the global education and career landscape with authenticity, clarity and resilience. He said, “Be authentic. Be yourself because all being well your first application is only ever a step. Make sure your first application meets everything that is being asked and gives that person the reason why they should take you to the next stage… It is a competitive world. Be very clear on what your next step wants to be and try to stand out as sensibly as you can… Be positive, be ambitious and learn from everything, even if you get knocked back a couple of times. Be positive and go for it.”
Adding to the interactive experience, the event featured a college fair with representatives from 13 leading universities and institutions, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of academic pathways and engage directly with university representatives. The participating institutions included Bournemouth University, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of York, University of East London, City St George’s, University of London, Regent College London, Liverpool John Moores University, London Metropolitan University, Royal College of Art, Bangor University, De Montfort University, Brunel University London, and SCAD – The University for Creative Careers. The fair enabled students to seek information about courses, admission requirements, costs, career pathways and international study opportunities.
The counsellor of Liverpool John Moores University said, “Research the practicalities, choose a course you are truly passionate about, and make sure it is something you can enjoy doing. The right preparation can make your journey to the UK both rewarding and successful.”
Meanwhile,the counsellor of SCAD – The University for Creative Careers encouraged students by saying, “Be very specific about your professional goals and understand what you want to build and do every day. Know your Point B, ask questions, and choose the programme that gets you there.”
The interactive session concluded on a positive and encouraging note, with students engaging enthusiastically with the speakers and university representatives. The discussions gave them greater clarity on international education pathways, career opportunities and the importance of making informed choices, leaving them motivated to explore new possibilities and take confident steps towards their global aspirations.
With its focus on global education, independent thinking, adaptability, authenticity and continuous learning, IGED 2026 provided students with practical perspectives on preparing for opportunities beyond borders. The event reinforced Techno India University’s commitment to creating meaningful international exposure and empowering students to develop the skills, confidence and global mindset needed to shape their future.