On July 21, 2024, a delegation from DSI-NRF CIKS, University of KwaZulu-Natal, visited UoH with members including Prof. Vivian Ojong, Prof. Hassan Kaya, Prof. Yonah Seleti, Dr. Mayashree Chinsamy, and Mr. Tez Mothibe. The visit, organized by the Consulate General of India in Durban and facilitated by UoH's OIA, aimed to enhance collaboration in millet research. Vice-Chancellor Prof. B. J. Rao underscored UoH's leadership in millet omics, advocating for collaborative centers and an MoU to promote millet studies, resource exchange, and joint student programs between India and South Africa.
Prof. Bramanandam and Prof. Arvind Susarla of OIA warmly welcomed the delegates, facilitating discussions on research synergies and societal impacts. Prof. Kaya and Prof. Ojong highlighted the potential for economic growth through joint doctoral programs and thematic training in millet-related studies. Dr. Chinsamy elaborated on CIKS's pivotal role in integrating indigenous knowledge systems with scientific innovation, emphasizing the visit's role in advancing global knowledge economies.
The delegation interacted with UoH's Prof. Appa Rao Podile, Prof. Anand K Kondapi, and Prof. S. Rajagopal, exploring collaborative research on microbiomes and millets at SLS and RTGR. They observed innovative millet-omics studies and discussed opportunities for climate-resilient farming practices and student exchanges to enrich cross-cultural understanding and sustainable agriculture.
Overall, the visit was pivotal in cementing a robust partnership between UoH and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, poised to advance millet cultivation, promote economic development, and bolster climate resilience through collaborative research endeavors.
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