Indian-Origin Students to Get IIT-H Internships via ATA
The American Telugu Association (ATA) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H), aiming to connect Indian-origin students in the United States with their cultural and academic roots in India. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), IIT Hyderabad will extend internship opportunities to students from the US, enabling them to gain first-hand experience in one of India’s top technological institutes.
The agreement was formalized in Washington DC, where IIT Hyderabad Director B. S. Murty and ATA President Jayanth Challa signed the MoU. This partnership lays out a structured plan for internships lasting from a few weeks up to a full year. The initial validity of the MoU is three years, with scope for further renewal depending on the success of the initiative.
ATA’s Bhanu Swargam highlighted the broader vision of this collaboration, emphasizing its role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the US and India. He added that the initiative is not limited to internships alone but will also pave the way for joint research opportunities. Such collaborations could significantly enhance knowledge exchange while bridging cultural and academic communities across borders.
IIT Hyderabad, which has earned the distinction of being ranked 7th in Engineering and 6th in Innovation under India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), expressed equal enthusiasm. “We are delighted to partner with ATA, as this aligns with our commitment to cultivate global talent and provide meaningful research exposure,” said Director Murty. He also pointed out that this marks the first occasion IIT Hyderabad has signed an agreement outside of an academic institution, making it a milestone collaboration for the institute.
ATA President Jayanth Challa echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative will equip Telugu diaspora students with valuable industry exposure and an understanding of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and research. He stressed that such opportunities will help young students not only in building careers but also in forging a deeper connection with their heritage.
Under the terms of the MoU, IIT Hyderabad will provide institutional, infrastructural, and logistical support for the students. The ATA, on its part, will identify and recommend eligible participants for the program. A nominal monthly fee will be charged by IIT Hyderabad per student to cover operational expenses, ensuring smooth execution of the internships.
This collaboration marks a significant step in creating academic, cultural, and professional pathways for Indian-origin students in the US while enhancing research ties between India and America.
