Global scholar Hegde speaks at alma mater in India
The 2026 College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan (Autonomous) International Conference, in Mumbai, India, was a hybrid conference, giving guests worldwide the opportunity to attend in person or join online.
“It was emotional and it was important to go,” said Dr. Archana Hegde, a Nancy W. Darden Distinguished Professor of birth through kindergarten education in East Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Performance.
Hegde, after all, was born and spent her first 25 years in Mumbai, India, and the next 25 in the U.S. This was an opportunity to return to where she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, focusing on human development, and to be a keynote speaker at this year’s conference.
Dr. Archana Hegde, left, smiles as she receives a certificate of appreciation for serving as a keynote speaker at a global education conference in Mumbai, India. (Contributed photos)
She typically visits India annually, which lately has included research there on teaching practices and optimal learning for children.
“That institution helped change my life,” Hegde said. “It was such a highlight and a surreal moment for me. That’s the vision I had when I came to the U.S. was to really be a global scholar.”
Among the guests for Hegde’s opening session was Ankadi Vasudeva Hegde, her father who lives in Mumbai.
“He is almost 85. It was very special to have my dad there,” she said.
After studying at College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan for seven years, Hegde worked there for three additional years as a remedial teacher and chief research associate. She moved to the U.S. shortly thereafter to continue her education. She has been at ECU since 2005.
The theme of the conference was: “Enhancement of quality of life — echoes of the past, vision for a sustainable resilient future.” Attendees represented multiple countries and nearly 20 states across India.
Hegde’s sessions sparked further conversation about how sustainable, quality educational concepts for children 8 years and younger can be implemented internationally, while considering necessary adjustments in delivery for each individual country. She alternated speaking between English, Hindi (India’s national language) and Marathi (Mumbai’s state language) throughout her presentation.
“Due to rapid brain development, early childhood years are pivotal,” Hegde said. “Alongside tons of learning that happens, children are naturally curious and have the ability to soak information from their surroundings when adequately stimulated. Early intervention during early years can change a child’s developmental trajectory for good. These fundamental concepts remain the same across all cultures, and what remains to be tested is how these concepts are woven within each individual culture. That is exactly what I emphasized in my talks.”
Hegde said her personal motto in education is children-first, which this opportunity further supported her mindset. She also was proud to represent ECU in an international setting so important to her.
“It is one of the most premier institutions in India, so some of my favorite moments were just to meet top scholars in the field who I’ve read their textbooks and their research articles,” she said. “It was a neat moment to network and it was an honor. I spent 10 years there as student and staff. However, at ECU, I have spent 20 years of academic life. This is where my true journey as a scholar unfolded. Thus, I truly embody my Pirate spirit wherever I go. For this conference, it was such a surreal moment, and very special.”
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