SLSU Fellows successfully complete the Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship 2026 in India
Four faculty members from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) successfully completed the prestigious Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship (NJYGRF) 2026 at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India, marking another milestone in the University's commitment to internationalization, research excellence, and global academic engagement. Throughout the month-long fellowship, the SLSU delegates joined more than 150 fellows from various countries, participating in intensive academic sessions, collaborative research, cultural immersion, wellness activities, and international networking.
Representing SLSU were Dr. Mark B. Galdo from the Tomas Oppus Campus under the Language, Communication, and Cultural Expression cluster, Dr. Adel Grace P. Gaudicos from the Sogod Campus under the Educational Transformation cluster, Dr. Vernabelle L. Balmori from the Sogod Campus under the Health and Life Sciences cluster, and Dr. Catherine M. Garcia from the San Juan Campus under the Business Innovation and Economic Development cluster. Guided by internationally renowned professors and researchers, the fellows collaborated with scholars from different countries to develop interdisciplinary and Scopus-ready research proposals addressing contemporary global issues.
Beyond research, the fellowship enriched the participants through expert lectures on artificial intelligence, academic writing, innovation, entrepreneurship, higher education, public health, research ethics, and scientific publishing. The fellows also participated in wellness activities such as yoga, Aqua Zumba, air shooting, and recreational programs that promoted holistic development, demonstrating JGU's commitment to nurturing globally competent scholars who excel academically while maintaining physical and mental well-being.
The fellowship further strengthened the participants' intercultural competence through educational visits to India's iconic cultural and historical landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Akshardham Temple, the Constitution Museum, and the heritage village of Chokhi Dhani. These cultural experiences enabled the fellows to gain a deeper appreciation of India's history, traditions, governance, and cultural diversity while fostering meaningful friendships and intercultural understanding among scholars from around the world.
A highlight of the fellowship was the NJYGRF Cultural Confluence 2026, where the Philippine delegation proudly presented "BAGANI: A Journey of the Filipino Soul." Through music, dance, and storytelling featuring the cultures of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the SLSU fellows helped showcase the richness of Filipino heritage before an international audience, promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening the Philippines' presence within the global academic community. The fellowship concluded with the formal presentation of the collaborative research outputs before a distinguished academic panel, followed by the awarding of certificates recognizing the fellows' successful completion of the program.
Reflecting on the experience, the SLSU fellows described the fellowship as more than an international academic program—it became a transformative journey that strengthened their research capabilities, expanded their global perspectives, fostered lifelong international partnerships, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing quality education, innovation, and community development. The knowledge, skills, and networks gained through NJYGRF 2026 are expected to contribute significantly to SLSU's continuing efforts toward research internationalization and academic excellence.
The successful participation of the SLSU fellows in the Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship 2026supports the University's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through holistic wellness initiatives, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening global research and lifelong learning, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through interdisciplinary innovation and research collaboration, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting appreciation of cultural heritage, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering international academic cooperation and knowledge exchange, and ultimately advancing SLSU's vision of producing globally engaged, research-driven, and socially responsive educators and scholars.