Latest news with #O.P.JindalGlobalUniversity
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Shashi Tharoor Speaks about India's Values, Democracy and Civilization at Oxford Lectures organized by O.P. Jindal Global University
OP Jindal University Oxford [UK], July 9: At a series of distinguished lectures and discourses in the UK, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, India spoke about the lessons from India's history and civilization and the Indian Constitution at 75, offering a powerful reflection on the evolution of India's constitutional democracy and its enduring significance in the protection of rights and freedoms while also speaking about the challenges as India looks to 2047 and 100 years of independence. The landmark event was organised by O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India's leading private university and an Institution of Eminence. The lectures were held at University College and Somerville College, Oxford and the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. At University College, Oxford, Dr. Shashi Tharoor spoke on the theme, 'An Immemorial Civilization: Lessons from India, Lessons for India' and took the distinguished audience on a journey of more than 2500 years which outlines India's history of religious tolerance and non-violence and continues to inform our modern approach to social justice. Dr Tharoor said. 'There are lessons to be drawn from India's historical and mythical figures and also from modern reformers and leaders like Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. India's secularism and egalitarianism has been shaped by its ancient wisdom. No nation can be called democratic and progressive, unless it combats the injustices faced by the marginalized and subjugated. Indian civilization, at its most luminous moments, has done exactly that and our quest for modernist inequality has always been forged through a struggle against orthodoxy, casteism, superstition and fundamentalist exclusion.' He further expounded, 'The task before us is not just to remember India, but to reimagine it, to draw from the deep wells of our immemorial inheritance, the ethical resolve to confront contemporary inequities with courage, conviction and moral clarity, thus ensuring greater rights to the disenfranchised and those on the margins of our society.' In his address, Dr. Tharoor explained how since the time of Ashoka, the Mauryan king, the idea has been not just of tolerance but of acceptance. India and its memorial civilization has lessons for the world today: that one is free to strive and seek and arrive at one's own conception of the Almighty. And the greatest truth is to acknowledge the existence of other truths! As Vivekananda said that Hinduism is a religion that taught the world not just tolerance, but acceptance.' At the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) brought India's democratic imagination with another public lecture by Dr. Shashi Tharoor who spoke on the theme: India at 2047: The Future of the World's Largest Democracy, offering deep insights into the state of Indian democracy, its achievements, and the urgent need to safeguard its institutions, values, and constitutional foundations. 'India's democratic journey has been both remarkable and resilient, but it faces serious tests in the years ahead. Institutions matter, but the spirit behind those institutions matters even more,' said Dr. Shashi Tharoor. 'I commend O.P. Jindal Global University for fostering important conversations on democracy and development at the global level.' Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University and Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, India also joined the distinguished gathering and said, 'Jindal universities stand for global citizens and socially conscious leaders. For our dreams for 2047, it is important to follow five special ideas: - Education: Especially primary education as the foundation needs to be strong. It's a drop in the ocean to have started two universities, O. P. Jindal Global University and O.P. Jindal University in Chhattisgarh, which is an engineering university. - Economy: India's economy needs to be strong, that creates jobs and wealth for the nation. There needs to be a lot of action, risks, investment and activities. - Entrepreneurship: The private sector in India is driven by very enterprising people. We need to nurture them and respect the wealth creators more. - Energy: Our future needs to be powered by more and more clean energy, renewable and sustainable energy. And empowerment here would mean affordable energy for the rich and the poor. - Equality: This is the soul of a true democracy which lies in equality of opportunity which we must be able to give our 1.4 billion citizens. Earlier, at Somerville College, Dr. Tharoor eloquently traced the historical journey of the Indian Constitution on the theme 'Indian Constitution at 75: Protecting Rights, Expanding Freedoms & Empowering Citizens,', emphasizing its foundational ideals and their relevance in addressing the aspirations of a diverse and complex nation. 'Our Constitution represents not only a legal framework but a social contract that has bound our diverse nation together. As we mark 75 years of its adoption, we must recommit ourselves to defending the rights and freedoms it enshrines for every citizen,' he said. Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, introduced Dr Shashi Tharoor at the events and lectures and spoke about the importance of global dialogue around constitutional values, democratic governance, and sustainability. 'This occasion at Oxford reaffirms our belief that universities must be active participants in shaping democratic societies. The Indian Constitution is a living testament to the strength of democratic ideals, and Dr. Tharoor's insights remind us of the need to protect, expand and renew those values across generations and borders,' said Professor Kumar. He outlined how Dr Tharoor is a leading public intellectual, writer, author and a beacon of the democratic process in India, having won four times from his constituency! 'This event is a celebration of intellectual engagement and institutional purpose,' said Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar. 'Dr. Tharoor's powerful lecture inspires us to reaffirm our commitment to democratic values and global cooperation. As a global university, we are proud to bring together thought leaders and changemakers who shape the future of our world.' The discussion was enriched by a response from Professor (Dr.) Shailendra Raj Mehta, the O.P. Jindal Distinguished University Professor, who provided academic commentary and broader perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of constitutional governance. JGU's Sustainable Development Report 2025 was also presented by Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean, Office of Academic Governance at JGU at the lecture. The report outlines the university's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its teaching, research, and institutional practices. The event began with welcome remarks by Professor (Dr.) Radhika Khosla, Research Director at the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Wire
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Shashi Tharoor Delivers Lectures on India's Values, Democracy & Civilization at Oxford and London organized by O.P. Jindal Global University
Oxford & London, UK, 9 July 2025: In a series of distinguished lectures and discourses held in the United Kingdom, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, India, spoke about the enduring lessons from India's civilizational heritage and the evolution of the Indian Constitution at 75. His lectures offered a powerful reflection on the trajectory of India's constitutional democracy—its successes in protecting rights and freedoms, and the challenges that lie ahead as India approaches 100 years of independence in 2047. The landmark events were organized by O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India's leading private university and an Institution of Eminence. The lectures were held at University College, Oxford and Somerville College, Oxford, and at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London. At University College, Oxford, Dr. Tharoor delivered a compelling lecture on the theme: 'An Immemorial Civilization: Lessons from India, Lessons for India.' He took the distinguished audience on a journey through more than 2,500 years of Indian history, emphasizing the nation's legacy of religious tolerance, non-violence, and social justice. There are lessons to be drawn from India's historical and mythical figures and also from modern reformers and leaders like Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. India's secularism and egalitarianism have been shaped by its ancient wisdom. No nation can be called democratic and progressive unless it combats the injustices faced by the marginalized and subjugated. Indian civilization, at its most luminous moments, has done exactly that, and our quest for modernist equality has always been forged through a struggle against orthodoxy, casteism, superstition and fundamentalist exclusion,' Dr. Tharoor said. He continued, 'The task before us is not just to remember India, but to reimagine it—to draw from the deep wells of our immemorial inheritance the ethical resolve to confront contemporary inequities with courage, conviction and moral clarity, thus ensuring greater rights to the disenfranchised and those on the margins of our society.' In his address, Dr. Tharoor explained how, since the time of Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor, the Indian ethos has promoted not merely tolerance but acceptance. 'India and its memorial civilization has lessons for the world today: that one is free to strive and seek and arrive at one's own conception of the Almighty. And the greatest truth is to acknowledge the existence of other truths! As Vivekananda said, Hinduism is a religion that taught the world not just tolerance, but acceptance.' At Somerville College, Oxford, Dr. Tharoor eloquently traced the journey of the Indian Constitution in a lecture titled 'Indian Constitution at 75: Protecting Rights, Expanding Freedoms & Empowering Citizens.' He emphasized the enduring importance of the Constitution's foundational ideals in guiding India through complex and diverse aspirations. 'Our Constitution represents not only a legal framework but a social contract that has bound our diverse nation together. As we mark 75 years of its adoption, we must recommit ourselves to defending the rights and freedoms it enshrines for every citizen,' Dr. Tharoor remarked. Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, introduced Dr. Tharoor at the events and spoke on the significance of global dialogue on constitutional values, democratic governance, and sustainability. 'This occasion at Oxford reaffirms our belief that universities must be active participants in shaping democratic societies. The Indian Constitution is a living testament to the strength of democratic ideals, and Dr. Tharoor's insights remind us of the need to protect, expand and renew those values across generations and borders,' said Professor Kumar. He added, 'Dr. Tharoor is a leading public intellectual, writer, author and a beacon of the democratic process in India, having won four times from his constituency! This event is a celebration of intellectual engagement and institutional purpose. Dr. Tharoor's powerful lecture inspires us to reaffirm our commitment to democratic values and global cooperation. As a global university, we are proud to bring together thought leaders and changemakers who shape the future of our world.' The discussions were further enriched by a response from Professor (Dr.) Shailendra Raj Mehta, O.P. Jindal Distinguished University Professor, who provided academic commentary and broader perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of constitutional governance. JGU's Sustainable Development Report 2025 was also presented during the event by Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of the Office of Academic Governance at JGU. The report highlights the university's steadfast commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its teaching, research, and institutional practices. The event began with welcome remarks by Professor (Dr.) Radhika Khosla, Research Director at the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. At the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London, O.P. Jindal Global University hosted another public lecture by Dr. Tharoor on the theme: 'India at 2047: The Future of the World's Largest Democracy.' Offering deep insights into the current state of Indian democracy, its institutional achievements, and the need for vigilance in safeguarding its constitutional values, Dr. Tharoor said: 'India's democratic journey has been both remarkable and resilient, but it faces serious tests in the years ahead. Institutions matter, but the spirit behind those institutions matters even more.' He added, 'I commend O.P. Jindal Global University for fostering important conversations on democracy and development at the global level.' Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), India, also addressed the distinguished gathering. He emphasized the need for a forward-looking vision for India in 2047, grounded in five core values: • Education: 'Especially primary education, as the foundation needs to be strong. It's a drop in the ocean to have started two universities—O.P. Jindal Global University and O.P. Jindal University in Chhattisgarh, which is an engineering university.' • Economy: 'India's economy needs to be strong, one that creates jobs and wealth for the nation. There needs to be a lot of action, risk-taking, investment and enterprise.' • Entrepreneurship: 'The private sector in India is driven by very enterprising people. We need to nurture them and respect the wealth creators more.' • Energy: 'Our future must be powered increasingly by clean, renewable, and sustainable energy. Empowerment means access to affordable energy for both the rich and the poor.' • Equality: 'This is the soul of a true democracy, which lies in equality of opportunity—something we must ensure for all 1.4 billion of our citizens.' (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with O.P. Jindal Global University and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
India Gazette
27-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
O.P. Jindal Global University Strengthens India-Japan Academic Diplomacy at United Nations University (UNU) and University of Tokyo
OP Jindal University Tokyo [Japan], June 27: In a landmark demonstration of India's growing global academic engagement, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) led two high-level dialogues in Tokyo, hosted at the United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Tokyo. Focused on democracy, constitutionalism, and legal thought leadership, these back-to-back events marked a new chapter in India-Japan academic cooperation and reaffirmed JGU's pivotal role in fostering global discourse on governance and institutional integrity. The events were made possible through institutional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by JGU with both the United Nations University and the University of Tokyo. These agreements are aimed at deepening collaboration in research, faculty exchange, and international public dialogue. United Nations University Conversation Series: A Landmark Collaboration with the Singhvi Centre at JGU Earlier this week, the United Nations University in Tokyo hosted a special edition of its prestigious UNU Conversation Series, jointly organized for the first time with an Indian institution--JGU's Singhvi Centre for Constitutional, Parliamentary and Legal Studies. The event, titled 'India and the World: Democracy, Development and Justice,' featured: - Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University - Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) - Professor (Dr) Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and United Nations Under-Secretary-General The Singhvi Centre, established through a generous endowment by Dr. Singhvi in memory of his father, Dr. L.M. Singhvi, is dedicated to advancing scholarship and international engagement on constitutionalism, parliamentary processes, and democratic governance. The UNU event provided a unique platform to explore India's institutional strengths, democratic journey, legal innovations, and its expanding global role in an evolving multilateral order. Professor Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized the essential role of democracy, development, and justice in shaping a sustainable and inclusive global future. Reflecting on India's place in the international system, he noted: 'India is a vibrant democracy whose commitment to pluralism and institutional governance serves as a model for emerging nations. Justice--both social and economic--is not only critical for India's continued growth but also for the global community's shared future. We must foster international cooperation grounded in fairness, accountability, and democratic values.' Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar underscored the robustness of India's democratic institutions: 'India's democratic resilience is not an accident--it is a consequence of robust institutions, a dynamic judiciary, an active civil society, and the deep legitimacy of our Constitution. At a time of democratic backsliding worldwide, India offers lessons on institutional continuity and constitutional vision.' He also highlighted India's innovations in digital governance: 'India's digital public infrastructure--from Aadhaar and UPI to Digital India--has fundamentally transformed how governance is delivered, especially to the most marginalized. This is a remarkable fusion of constitutional principles and technological innovation.' Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi reflected on the global relevance of India's constitutional framework: 'The Indian Constitution is not only a national framework--it is a global exemplar of balancing rights with responsibilities, pluralism with unity, and liberty with progress. As India rises geopolitically, it must also lead normatively, by sharing its constitutional and institutional experience with the world.' On the role of academic institutions, he added: 'The Singhvi Centre at JGU was created to advance cutting-edge research and global conversations on law, justice, and democracy. Partnering with the United Nations University is an honour and a natural extension of that mission.' Academic Dialogue at the University of Tokyo: Legal Thought Across Borders Later, JGU and the University of Tokyo--Japan's foremost national university--co-hosted a focused academic dialogue on comparative constitutional law, legal reform, and the role of courts in democratic societies. The event brought together leading scholars, deans, and policy thinkers from both nations, grounded in a shared commitment to democratic values and institutional integrity. The dialogue underscored the growing importance of Asia-led academic cooperation in advancing legal reform, governance, and democratic resilience. Central themes included sustainable development, judicial independence, legislative accountability, and constitutionalism in an increasingly complex global environment. Held at Koshiba Hall, University of Tokyo, the India-Japan Sustainability Conclave served as a high-level forum for distinguished academics, legal experts, and policymakers to deliberate on global sustainability and development. Organized by O.P. Jindal Global University as part of its continued commitment to international academic collaboration and environmental leadership, the conclave drew wide participation from both countries. The event was inaugurated and chaired by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU. The keynote address was delivered by Justice Michael D. Wilson, former Supreme Court Judge of Hawai'i and Distinguished Professor at JGU, who spoke on the intersections of environmental law, judicial responsibility, and sustainability. Professor R. Padmanabha, Dean of Academic Governance, introduced the Sustainable Development Report 2025 (SDR 2025), highlighting contemporary sustainability metrics and global benchmarks. A special address by Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasized the importance of legal and policy frameworks in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel featured eminent Japanese scholars including Professor Shizuka Hashimoto, Professor Masahiro Sugiyama, Professor Atsushi Kato, and Professor Kensuke Fukushi from the University of Tokyo, along with Dr. Anupam Khajuria of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). Their insights addressed key areas such as climate resilience, science-policy integration, and the importance of cross-border academic collaboration. Reflecting on the significance of the India-Japan academic exchange, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar noted: 'India and Japan are both constitutional democracies with deep legal traditions. Our academic collaboration can create new frameworks of understanding that bridge the common challenges we face--whether it is the preservation of judicial independence, the protection of civil liberties, or the strengthening of democratic institutions.' Towards a New Era of India-Japan Academic Engagement The events in Tokyo represent a major milestone in India's academic diplomacy and underscore JGU's leadership in leveraging higher education as a platform for promoting global understanding, cooperation, and sustainable development. With formal MoUs now in place, these partnerships pave the way for sustained faculty exchange, joint research, and cross-border policy dialogues. Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi concluded with a call for Indian academia to play a more proactive role on the world stage: 'It is imperative that Indian institutions not only participate in global conversations but also shape them. These events in Tokyo represent India's rising intellectual confidence, its commitment to constitutional values, and the role of academia in nation-building and international engagement.' (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Wire
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Leading Indian Academic Dr.C. Raj Kumar and Parliamentarian Dr. Abhishek M. Singhvi Address Members of Japanese Parliament at the Diet
Tokyo, 26 June 2025: Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), addressed members of the Japanese Parliament at the National Diet of Japan during a high-level policy dialogue aimed at strengthening India–Japan strategic cooperation. This prestigious event, hosted by the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation, was themed: 'India and Japan: Partners in Democracy, Drivers of Innovation, and Architects of a Sustainable Future.' In his address to the Japanese Parliamentarians, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar underscored the growing significance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and academic partnerships in tackling shared global challenges. 'We are witnessing a historic moment where universities and parliaments must work together to shape the future of democracy and development,' said Professor Kumar. 'India and Japan can lead the way—not only through economic cooperation, but by investing in people, knowledge, and institutions that advance peace, justice, and sustainability.' Professor Kumar further stated: 'JGU's presence in Japan's Parliament is a symbol of the power of education to bridge cultures and build alliances. We believe that meaningful diplomacy must also be academic, intellectual, and people-centric.' The highlight of the session was an address by Dr. Abhishek M. Singhvi, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who spoke eloquently about the shared democratic values of India and Japan and their potential to influence the global discourse. Dr. Singhvi called for deeper collaboration between India and Japan in areas such as technology, education, climate resilience, and global governance, while stressing the need for a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific vision. 'India and Japan are not just allies of circumstance—we are civilizational partners in democracy, innovation, and global responsibility,' said Dr. Singhvi. 'As two of Asia's strongest democracies, our task is to jointly lead by example—through pluralism, through peace, and through principled partnerships for the planet.' The event brought together more than 35 senior members of the Japanese legislature and government officials. Mr. Seishiro Eto, Former (17th) President of the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation (Acting President in the absence of Chairman Fukushiro Nukaga), inaugurated the dialogue and extended a warm welcome to the distinguished Indian guests. H.E. Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, was invited to the interaction and conveyed his deep appreciation to the members of the Japanese Parliament, the Government of Japan, and the Indian delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University led by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar for advancing meaningful bilateral cooperation in higher education and research. Hon'ble Shingo Miyamoto, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia Department, expressed his optimism for the fast-growing relations between Japan and India across multiple domains, particularly in the sphere of higher education and institutional collaboration. Hon'ble Kuniko Inoguchi, Member of the House of Councillors, Former Minister of Gender Equality, and Professor at Sophia University, warmly welcomed the Indian delegation. She highlighted her longstanding engagement with India and expressed her enthusiasm for seeing a greater presence of Indian students and Indian knowledge traditions in Japan. Hon'ble Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, a respected parliamentary expert and former UN official, welcomed stronger India–Japan exchanges, stating that 'Japan needs Indian creativity and imagination to invigorate its global policies, and for the two countries to become strong global leaders together.' The event saw participation from a broad spectrum of Japanese political parties and parliamentary experts, underscoring the deep, cross-party interest in strengthening Indo-Japanese ties. Distinguished participants included at the National Diet of Japan: Liberal Democratic Party: • Hon'ble Masahiko Shibayama, Member of the House of Representatives, Acting Secretary-General, Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology • Hon'ble Kuniko Inoguchi, Member of the House of Councillors, Co-Vice Chairperson, Former Minister of Gender Equality • Hon'ble Fukushiro Nukaga, Member of the House of Representatives, President, Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation; Former Minister of Finance; Former Director-General of the Japan Defence Agency • Hon'ble Rintaro Ishibashi, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Yohei Onishi, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Masaaki Koike, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Jun Tsushima, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Hirofumi Takinami, Member of the House of Councillors Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan • Hon'ble Yuki Baba, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Motoko Mizuno, Member of the House of Councillors • Hon'ble Mamoru Umetani, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Hiroki Saito, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Shinji Sugimura, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Sekio Masuda, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Daiki Michishita, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Issei Yamagishi, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Hiroshi Kasa, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Ayaka Shiomura, Member of the House of Councillors Democratic Party For the People • Hon'ble Kiichiro Hatoyama, Member of the House of Representatives (Son of Former Prime Minister Hon'ble Yukio Hatoyama) Japan Innovation Party • Hon'ble Kenta Aoshima, Member of the House of Councillors Japanese Communist Party • Hon'ble Tetsuya Shiokawa, Member of the House of Representatives NHK Party • Hon'ble Satoshi Hamada, Member of the House of Councillors Sanseitō • Hon'ble Yuko Kitano, Member of the House of Representatives Independent • Hon'ble Makiko Dogome, Member of the House of Councillors Government of Japan • Hon'ble Shingo Miyamoto, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia Department Collaborating Organization WFM Youth Forum • Hon'ble Koji Mitamura, Chairperson • Hon'ble Kohei Mitamura, President, Mitamura Group (Fukuhō Bank Founding Family, Owner of Bunky Corporation entrusted by MEXT, and the Koshinomiyako Media Network) Parliamentary Experts • Hon'ble Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, Former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General • Hon'ble Masakuni Tanimoto, International Committee Chairman of WFM-Japan; Under Secretary-General, Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation This parliamentary engagement marked Professor Raj Kumar's second consecutive address at the National Diet of Japan, following his 2024 lecture on 'The Role of India and Japan in Global Governance.' His return this year reaffirms O.P. Jindal Global University's steadfast commitment to academic diplomacy and its growing leadership in strengthening India–Japan relations through education. The interaction at the National Diet was a powerful testament to the shared democratic values, strategic convergence, and mutual aspirations of India and Japan. It highlighted the indispensable role of education, research, and intellectual exchange in crafting a resilient, innovative, and peaceful future for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with O.P. Jindal Global University and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
JGU Signs 8 New MoUs with Leading Universities in Japan to Expand Academic Collaborations
OP Jindal University Tokyo [Japan] June 23: In a significant move that reinforces India's growing academic diplomacy with Japan, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has signed 8 new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Japanese universities, bringing its total number of academic partnerships in Japan to 23 universities. This milestone was marked during a high-level visit by a JGU delegation to Japan in June 2025, spanning engagements across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukushima, Yamanashi, and other key cities. The latest MoUs were signed with the following institutions: - Asia University, Tokyo - Chuo University, Tokyo - Doshisha University, Kyoto - Higashi Nippon International University, Iwaki, Fukushima - Kansai University, Osaka - Musashi University, Tokyo - Osaka Gakuin University, Osaka - Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Tokyo These institutions now join an already impressive roster of JGU's Japanese partners, which includes University of Tokyo, Hiroshima University, United Nations University, International Christian University, and many others. JGU's strategic and sustained engagement with Japan underscores its commitment to fostering deep, meaningful and multidimensional international collaborations that go beyond symbolic agreements. The partnerships include student mobility programmes, joint research initiatives, visiting faculty exchanges, and collaborative conferences aimed at building long-term academic bridges between India and Japan. This landmark expansion of JGU's Japan engagement is a reflection of a globally interconnected ethos--one that seeks to cultivate intellectual exchange, mutual growth, and transformative leadership across borders. As India and Japan deepen their partnership in the domains of strategic affairs, business, defence, security, and technology, the role of educational collaboration becomes even more critical in shaping the future of this vital bilateral relationship. By investing in people-to-people connections, fostering cross-cultural learning environments, and enabling shared research opportunities, JGU is helping to lay the foundation for a new generation of Indian and Japanese leaders equipped to tackle global challenges together. Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, JGU observed, 'This is a defining moment for India-Japan academic relations. The expansion of our partnerships to 23 leading universities across Japan is not just about increasing numbers--it's about creating a collaborative framework for educational innovation, societal impact and global dialogue. At JGU, we believe that higher education must lead the way in building bridges of understanding, and our Japan engagements are a testament to this vision. I am deeply grateful to our Japanese partners for sharing this aspiration of collaborative excellence.' Professor (Dr) Akhil Bhardwaj, Vice Dean & Director of International Relations and Global Initiatives, JGU said, 'Our growing engagement with Japan is grounded in trust, mutual respect and shared academic values. These partnerships will create robust opportunities for student exchanges, joint research, and cultural dialogue, bringing our institutions and nations closer in a meaningful way. The scale and seriousness of these collaborations reflect JGU's global outlook and long-term commitment to academic diplomacy.' To commemorate the expansion of JGU's partnerships, Ambassador of India to Japan, H.E. Mr. Sibi George, hosted a special dinner in honour of the visiting JGU delegation at India House in Tokyo. The event was attended by presidents, vice presidents, and senior academic leaders from top Japanese universities. 'India and Japan share a time-tested relationship that spans strategic affairs, business, defence, security, and governmental cooperation. However, it is education that will be the cornerstone of our future engagement. I commend O.P. Jindal Global University and its Vice Chancellor, Professor Raj Kumar for their vision and leadership in building one of the largest and most impactful India-Japan academic collaborations. The ties being formed today will shape the strategic thought leadership of tomorrow.' he said. This growing network of Japanese academic collaborations is part of JGU's broader mission to internationalize Indian higher education and to contribute meaningfully to India's global partnerships through education, research, and student development. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
