In a three-day whirlwind of activity, Dean Yannis C. Yortsos reconnected with old friends, alumni and parents while making new connections for the USC Viterbi School of Engineering on his annual trip to India.

The administrator was accompanied by Prem Natarajan, executive director of the Information Sciences Institute; Raghu Raghavendra, vice dean for global academic initiatives; and Sudha Kumar, director of the school’s India office.

With a government led by a new prime minister, India is poised for growth, creating fresh opportunities for collaboration. The USC team explored new corporate partnerships with Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Group and Boeing, India. It also renewed ties with Infosys, which has a research center on the USC campus.

Yortsos met with enthusiastic Trojans in Bangalore and Mumbai, updating them about events at the university. He was especially struck by the fact that almost 70 percent of the alumni who met him were entrepreneurs, many of whom are contributing to their country’s economy.

The school’s India Board met for its third annual meeting on Dec. 7.

Every [board] member seemed genuinely committed to advancing USC Viterbi’s mission.

Prem Natarajan

Following presentations by Yortsos, Natarajan and Raghavendra, the group discussed strategic partnerships. Chaired by Infosys executive Srinath Batni, the board consists of leading industrialists and alumni who advise the dean on matters pertaining to their country.

“Meeting with the board was an energizing experience,” Natarajan said. “Every member seemed genuinely committed to advancing USC Viterbi’s mission, especially in India. The diversity of perspectives on the board — accomplished business leaders, thought leaders in technology, young entrepreneurs — is particularly impressive.”

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