Dr. Santosh Patil led international collaborations at Manipal University Jaipur from 2018 to 2025. A returning Gathering participant, he reflects on why Indian institutions need a space to compare practice with their peers, what he has adapted from other universities, and why the people keep drawing him back.
From an Indian university perspective, why do you think spaces like Junction91 are important as internationalization continues to evolve in India?
Junction91 is a platform where the diverse Indian higher education landscape comes together to discuss case studies, share best practices and exchange experiences in internationalization of higher education (IHE).
It's important to know how peer institutions are working with limited resources, or how universities globally are doing things better. Junction91 connects the right people and experts to help Indian universities evolve.
From both a professional and personal perspective, what value has come from being part of these conversations, whether through relationships, institutional connections, new ideas or opportunities for collaboration?
Through these conversations, relationships, connections and ideas have grown, creating new opportunities. They have helped me understand the challenges faced by different types of universities across urban and regional contexts — some common, others unique.
Sharing best practices has also enabled me to adapt approaches from one institution to another to address specific challenges. Many new ideas have emerged, some have been initiated, and several have been put into practice.
“Sharing best practices has enabled me to adapt approaches from one institution to another to address specific challenges.”
Having participated before, what makes the Junction91 Gathering worth returning to?
For me, it's always about the people. Junction91 brings together wonderful people and experts in internationalization of higher education. It continues to evolve with new participants, perspectives and initiatives, including the certificate program.
As internationalization keeps evolving, every Junction91 Gathering creates space for fresh ideas, knowledge exchange and new collaborations.
