On July 5, 2024, Columbia Global Center Mumbai hosted a vibrant ‘Student Send-Off’ reception, welcoming over 80 new students and esteemed alumni. The Center buzzed with excitement and anticipation, as students gathered to share their hopes and dreams for the upcoming academic year.
Anushka Hirlekar, an incoming graduate student at Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Science, reflected the collective enthusiasm: “I’m looking forward to exploring New York City, meeting people from around the world, and immersing myself in different cultures.”
Siddhant Natarajan, an incoming MBA student from the class of ’26 also expressed excitement about the diverse academic environment and the unique experiences ahead.
The reception offered a valuable opportunity for new students to connect with seasoned alumni who shared their experiences and provided guidance on navigating university life.
Jay Shah, Access Architects & Alumni GSAPP’09 and Mumbai Chapter leader, took the stage to share his journey from Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. His inspiring words encouraged students to embrace every opportunity at Columbia and in New York City.
As the event concluded, students departed with a renewed sense of community and readiness for their journey at Columbia University, having fostered new connections and gained valuable insights.
