New Delhi: The Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Julia Gillard, will visit Delhi's prestigious Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College for Women and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) on August 31, 2009.
During her inaugural five-day visit to India, Gillard will also travel to Chennai. The trip is seen as a move to strengthen Australia's relations with India.
During her visit to LSR College, the Australian Deputy PM will speak on the topic Women in Leadership.
Gillard will also launch a new Diploma of Primary Education, a joint collaboration between Queensland University of Technology and IGNOU at the varsity here.
Furthermore, Gillard will launch the Australia-India Institute. This institute is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales and La Trobe University.
The Institute will support research, graduate training, executive briefings, policy advice and knowledge transfer for the benefit of both countries and will enable students, staff and the Australian community to gain a greater understanding of India and the rich bilateral relationship through courses of study, conferences and relevant research.
"The principal aim of my visit is to reinforce Australia's image as a culturally diverse, welcoming and safe country for Indian students, business people and other visitors. I will have the opportunity to thank the Indian Government for its support as we have responded strongly to the challenges faced by Indian students in Australia", the Deputy PM said.
"This visit also allows me to underline Australia's commitment to building the relationship with India across a broad front. Students play an important role in the bilateral relationship, but there are many other areas of cooperation where we have strong shared interests: from energy and science and technology through to strategic affairs", she added.
During the visit, Gillard will meet senior government representatives to outline the Australian Government's recent initiatives to improve the education experience for overseas students in Australia, including tighter regulation of education providers, a review of the Australian Government legislation governing international students, and the forthcoming International Students Round Table.
She will also visit a number of educational institutions, launch several key initiatives involving Australian and Indian educational institutions and meet some Indian students who have studied in Australia.
"My visit will highlight the depth of the education linkages between Australia and India and showcase their importance to our overall bilateral relationship," Gillard said.
"Australia and India are natural partners in education and we are committed to expanding our cooperation with India in the years ahead."
source: indiaedunews.net