Buffalo Ledger

Leader of the Republic of India to Give Remarks During a Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington, D.C. on June 22

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) has invited State University of New York at Buffalo President Dr. Satish K. Tripathi as his guest to a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22, 2023, featuring remarks by Republic of India Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Under President Tripathi’s leadership, the University at Buffalo has grown its standing as a research, innovation, and education leader locally, nationally, and globally,” said Congressman Higgins. “As a native of India and one who clearly understands the value of international and multi-disciplinary collaborations, we are pleased to welcome President Tripathi to this historic binational event.” 

President Tripathi grew up in a village in Patna in Uttar Pradesh, India and graduated from Banaras Hindu University in northern India before moving to Canada to pursue additional master’s and doctorate degrees.

“It is a true honor to be Congressman Higgins’ guest at this historic joint meeting of Congress, and I greatly look forward to hearing Prime Minister Modi’s address,” Tripathi said. “The University at Buffalo is proud to be one of the most internationalized universities in the nation, with a very robust student population from India as well as a strong community of Indian post-docs and faculty scholars.”

Tripathi began his tenure with the University at Buffalo in 2004 and was named UB’s 15th President in 2011. He has since led the University to be recognized as one of two flagship institutions in the SUNY system.  At UB, Tripathi has sought to expand the university’s international programs and relationships, previously entering an agreement with Prime Minister Modi’s predecessor, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for a collaborative partnership between UB and India’s prestigious Amrita University. Under his leadership, UB and six Indian institutions of higher learning signed a 2022 memorandum of understanding to collaborate in educational initiatives and research related to nanomaterials and nanotechnology, biotechnology, advanced sensors, photonics and artificial intelligence. The UB President also currently co-chairs the Association of American Universities’ Task Force on Expanding US-India University Partnerships. 

President Biden will welcome Prime Minister Modi to Washington, D.C., for an Official State Visit from Wednesday, June 21 through Friday, June 23.  During the trip leaders are expected to discuss ways to elevate technology partnerships and expand educational exchanges, among other shared interests.  On Wednesday, First Lady Jill Biden, a longtime educator, and Prime Minister Modi are scheduled to visit the National Science Foundation to highlight workforce development and career-connected learning opportunities between educational institutions and businesses. 

Original source can be found here.