Building Bridges: AUSA Hosts Indian Consul General at UoA
On Thursday, 27th March, the University of Auckland’s Science Building hosted a Meet and Greet with the Consul General of India.
Article by Hisham Haq | AUSA International Students' Officer
On Thursday, 27th March, the University of Auckland’s Science Building transformed into a diplomatic space as over 100 students gathered for “Meet and Greet with the Consul General of India.” The event was co-hosted by the AUSA and the Auckland University Indian Society (AUIS), marking a rare opportunity for students—especially Indian international students—to engage directly with India’s senior diplomat in Auckland, Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi.
The evening featured a panel with Dr. Sethi, Associate Professor Jamie Gillen, and Arunima Dhingra, Founder and CEO of AIMS Global. From education pathways and Indo-NZ economic ties to the lived realities of Indian students in Aotearoa, the conversation covered a wide range of issues. Arunima spoke powerfully on the evolving cross-cultural experience of migration, while Dr. Sethi addressed questions about the consulate’s role in student life.
As AUSA’s International Officer, I hosted this event with a very specific motivation in mind: while Indians are the second-largest international student group at UoA, our connection to the Indian Consulate is nearly nonexistent. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap.
One moment that stood out came from a light-hearted question I posed about whether the consulate could help make ethnic wear more affordable for students—a joke that earned some well-timed laughter and broke the formal atmosphere. But beneath that humour was a serious point: Indian students crave visibility, accessibility, and belonging.
If there’s one key takeaway from the night, it’s this: diplomatic presence on campus can’t just rest on a country’s global reputation. It has to be built, nurtured, and sustained—starting with students. This event was just the beginning. AUSA is committed to bringing more diplomatic voices to campus, and I hope to see more events that give international students the platforms and access they deserve.
