American Telugus opt for study in India

American Telugus are returning to India, not to trace their roots but in search of quality education. Sounds strange, but children of Telugu migrants shattered with recession are looking at universities in Andhra Pradesh for taking up engineering education.

For them it works in three ways – much cheaper than US, staying with their grandparents for four years and easy admission in the best institutions here. Interestingly, people who opted for US universities once upon a time want to send their children back to India. “They all understand the quality of education offered since they were part of it once and it is dirt cheap compared to the US,” says Mohan Nannapaneni, Secretary of Telugu Association of North America (TANA).

Mr. Mohan along with Raghu Korrapati, Commissioner for Higher Education, State of South Carolina has started a group assisting American Telugu students showing keen interest. “We received more than 1,000 requests when we floated the idea and it reflects the popularity of Indian education,” he says.

The group forged an alliance with the JNTU Kakinada for seats in the B.Tech, M.Tech and Ph.D courses under the 15 per cent supernumerary quota especially created for the NRIs. The NRI quota was already in existence but there was little response earlier. But JNTU Kakinada Vice-Chancellor, Allam Appa Rao promoted the concept in the US using the alumni network and it worked. He also sent two officials to the TANA conference recently where it was widely received. “We are expecting around 100 students this year,” he told The Hindu.

Online courses
Unlike local students they will get admissions directly and the course fee would be just US $2,500 per annum. The same course in US would cost them US $50,000. As of now, M.Tech and Ph.D courses would be offered online while B.Tech students have to come to India. Prof. Appa Rao argues that university colleges continue to maintain their reputation abroad and parents who were products of these colleges hold them in high esteem. He credits APSCHE Chairman K.C. Reddy for conceptualising the NRI quota.

Dr. Raghu admits recession as the reason for this but it is also being realised that Indian education is a fabulous combination of quality and affordability. Moreover, there is also the emotional angle of exposing children to Indian culture. “This is a great opportunity for NRIs to work on their dream of getting Ph.Ds while working in USA,” says Mr. Mohan

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