Lucknow — The Amity School of Communication Enhancement and Transformation (ASCENT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy’s Regional English Language Office (RELO), inaugurated an international academic event, running from April 28 to May 2, 2025.
The event features a two-day International Student Workshop and a five-day International Faculty Development Program (IFDP) on “From Ideas to Impact: The Power of Communication” and “Smart Teaching: Harnessing AI and Digital Tools for Impactful Instruction.”
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Prof. Dr. Anil Vashisht, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Lucknow Campus; Dr. Anil Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Tiwari, Dean Academics; and Dr. Nalina Singh, Head, ASCENT. They were joined by esteemed guests Ms. Shweta Khanna, Public Engagement Specialist, RELO, U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, and Dr. Cassie Defilippo, English Language Fellow (ELF), RELO, U.S. Embassy. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp.
The IFDP aims to train 40 faculty members in cutting-edge digital and AI-driven teaching techniques, while the student workshop engages around 100 students, focusing on developing professional communication and leadership skills.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Prof. Dr. Anil Vashisht emphasized that effective communication has always been the backbone of success, stating, “Those who master the art of communication can achieve anything in life.” He encouraged students to maximize the benefits of the workshop.
Dr. Anil Kumar Tiwari highlighted the significance of innovation-driven initiatives, and Prof. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Tiwari stressed the critical role of academic excellence in fostering impactful programs.
Shweta Khanna underlined the importance of English as a global language that opens opportunities worldwide, stating that it not only enhances communication skills but also enables cross-cultural understanding. She also shared her expert insights on public engagement, international collaborations, and global opportunities for students.
A special session was led by Dr. Cassie Defilippo, who set the academic tone of the workshop with dynamic, research-driven insights and highly engaging interactive activities. Her presence as the lead resource person added immense value to the learning experience.
Students participated enthusiastically, immersing themselves in discussions and activities. The event promises to be a transformative journey of creativity, collaboration, and impactful action.
