The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Houston varsity to have India Studies Chair

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Monday, Jan 07, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Houston varsity to have India Studies Chair

B.V.S. Bhaskar

Rajahmundry: University of Houston (UH), the fourth largest state of USA will soon have an India Studies Chair. Interestingly, it now has Renu Khator, an Indian as its president.

Krishna Vavilala, Chairman, Foundation of Indian Studies who was here on a visit, hopes that by the year 2010, the 1.20 lakh-strong Indian community in Houston will benefit from the India Studies Chair. He told The Hindu that the programme, focussing on Indian history, politics, economic, languages and culture would help the Indian community educate its US-born/bred children and connect them to their roots.

Further, the programme would prepare students seeking careers with MNCs, to deal with India’s diverse cultures, religions and languages.

The foundation wants to develop the programme by adding a course in anthropology of India by Fall 2008. Already, three credit courses are being offered in Hindi, Hinduism and Jainism. Mr. Krishna said the certificate or minor would be awarded to those who have completed a minimum number of courses in Indian Studies . This honour would be cited on their diploma recognising them as participants in the University India Studies Program.

A delegation led by Mr. Krishna will visit Indian universities .

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