Young Minds, Global Bonds: US Student Delegation visits Raj Bhavan

A student delegation from the U.S. state of Montana visited Governor Anandiben Patel at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow, as part of a cultural and educational exchange program jointly facilitated by the Montana World Affairs Council and the Consulate General of India, Seattle.

The ten-member delegation included seven high school students and three chaperones, selected for their exceptional performances at the EconoQuest 2025 and Academic WorldQuest 2025, held at Montana State University and the University of Montana, Missoula. Their visit aimed to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and explore India’s rich educational heritage.

During an interactive session, the delegation praised India’s robust and inclusive education system, especially acknowledging the country’s progress in women’s empowerment and gender equity. They found India's strides in education and social reform particularly inspiring.

Governor Anandiben Patel shared insights into India's educational landscape, emphasizing how government initiatives have significantly boosted female literacy, self-reliance, and leadership. She highlighted that in most university convocation ceremonies across the country, female students often top the merit lists and win gold medals.

The Governor also introduced the delegation to India’s ancient scripts, epigraphy, and urban planning traditions, citing examples from Mohenjo-Daro and Nalanda University. She described Nalanda as a global knowledge hub in ancient times and appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to revive the historic university.

Highlighting the growing presence of women across fields such as agriculture, policing, medicine, education, politics, and science, she pointed out that women in India now enjoy equal pay and thrive within supportive family structures. Governor Patel also spoke about initiatives undertaken in universities to empower women through seminars, conferences, and leadership programs.

The meeting concluded with a mutual exchange of ideas and admiration, strengthening Indo-American educational and cultural ties.