Pune: Christ University Lavasa Successfully Concludes International Staff Teaching Week 2025
Pune/Lavasa, 18th November 2025: Christ University, Pune Lavasa hosted the International Staff Teaching Week 2025 from November 10 to 15, marking one of India’s most prominent international academic initiatives. The week-long program, designed to advance global collaboration in higher education, brought together 16 international delegates from 10 countries across five continents, offering students a rich multicultural and academic experience.
The initiative reflects the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises international collaboration, global exposure, and multicultural learning. Under the guidance of Christ University’s senior leadership—Fr. Dr. Lijo Thomas (Dean & Director), Fr. Justin P. Varghese (Academic Coordinator), Dr. Parameswaran S., and Dr. Jibrael Jos—the event maintained high academic standards and seamless execution.
Global Academic Engagement
The program was meticulously coordinated by Prof. Nikita Nimbalkar (Global Partnerships Coordinator), with support from Dr. Manjari Sharma (Immersions Coordinator) and Ms. Archita Nayar (Administrative Assistant). The Office of International Affairs (OIA) Student Committee played a critical role in guest coordination, campus tours, technical support, registration management, and cultural programming.
Departmental coordinators—including Dr. Nikhil Varghese, Prof. Tanya Sharma, Dr. Avichal Sharma, Prof. Pallavi Sharma, and Dr. Rimi Nandy—ensured smooth academic and operational management.
The international delegates included prominent faculty from universities across Poland, South Africa, Romania, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, Malaysia, Belgium, and Nepal, covering diverse disciplines and bringing global expertise to students at Christ University.
Inaugural and Academic Highlights
The week began with an introductory ceremony on November 10, welcoming international delegates through cultural exchanges. Dr. Bart Fisher, Managing Partner at the Law Office of Bart S. Fisher, Washington D.C., USA, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of global academic partnerships.
On November 11, the Legal Research Colloquium, led by Dr. Anto Sebastian and supported by faculty members including Dr. Vipin Das and Prof. Nikita Nimbalkar, provided students with deep insights into comparative legal systems, global justice frameworks, and international research methodologies.
Experiential and Cultural Learning
November 12 featured an International Fair, where students showcased traditional and cultural artefacts from various Indian states. The fair, conceptualised under Prof. Nikita Nimbalkar’s Economics Innovation Assessment, provided hands-on learning in planning, production, marketing strategy, entrepreneurship, and economic decision-making.
The following day, November 13, delegates experienced Pune’s cultural heritage through a curated visit to Shaniwar Wada and Fergusson College Road, gaining insights into the city’s historical, architectural, and educational significance.
The Valedictory Ceremony on November 14 was graced by Prof. Raj Mehta, Vice Provost for International Affairs, University of Cincinnati, USA, who emphasised the professional and personal value of international experiences. During the ceremony, all international delegates were honoured with the traditional Puneri Pagadi, symbolising respect and Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
The final day, November 15, included a Mumbai Darshan, where delegates explored iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Colaba, appreciating the city’s architectural beauty and vibrant culture.
A Landmark Academic Initiative
The International Staff Teaching Week 2025 at Christ University, Pune Lavasa has been hailed as a landmark achievement, fostering global academic exchange and strengthening international cooperation. The program enabled students to gain global exposure, allowed international faculty to experience Maharashtra’s academic and cultural heritage, and laid the foundation for long-term partnerships, joint research, and collaborative learning initiatives.
