The University of Central Florida’s India Center celebrated a key moment with the appointment of Dr. Yogesh Joshi as its first Indian Community Endowed Chair and Director during a special Investiture Ceremony. Founded in 2012, the India Center was envisioned to become the premier institution for the study of contemporary India’s influence on global affairs. It offers a range of educational programs, research, and outreach initiatives to the Indian community across Florida and beyond. The Center is part of UCF’s College of Sciences and the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs, led by Director Bruce Wilson.
During the ceremony, College of Sciences Dean Maggy Tomova addressed a gathering of supporters, including donors, UCF faculty, staff, and community members, including former Interim Director Kerstin Hamann. “Community and culture are central to UCF’s strategic plan, and today represents both in action. It is crucial for students to feel connected to the campus and each other as they pursue their studies,” Tomova remarked.
The ceremony also recognized the contributions of key donors, including the Deshpande, Mehta, and Toleti families, who helped establish the endowed position. The event featured a special Carnatic music performance by Knights Khayal, a desi music group at UCF.
Provost Michael D. Johnson emphasized the importance of the endowed position, stating, “UCF is enriched by a significant number of Indian American faculty, staff, and students, with Indian students being the largest group of international graduate students at UCF. This endowed professorship represents a significant investment in The India Center’s future.”
Dr. Joshi, who previously led the National Security and Foreign Policy program at the National University of Singapore’s Institute of South Asian Studies and held roles at Yale-NUS College, Carnegie India, and the Carnegie Endowment, shared his vision for the future of The India Center. Reflecting on his personal journey, Joshi expressed his excitement to explore India’s role in the global landscape, from its scientific and technological advancements to its contributions in global business, economics, and affairs. He emphasized, “Together, we can empower and create real change in the lives of many Americans and Indians.”
