Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU), Mumbai, was honored to welcome a distinguished delegation of faculty members from the Department of Languages and Cultures, Ghent University, Belgium. The visit represents a milestone in the commitment to deepen academic ties and foster collaboration in the fields of language, culture, religion, art, and archaeology.
The team was led by Eva De Clercq, Associate Professor of Languages and Cultures of India and Programme Director of Oriental Languages and Cultures. Her specialization lies in Jaina Studies, Apabhraṃśa literature, Jaina Rāmāyaṇas, and Digambara monastic history, and she conducts courses in all levels of Sanskrit and Prakrit. Joining her was Tine Vekemans, Chair holder of the Acharya Mahaprajna Chair for Jain Studies, whose research focuses on Jain migration history, Jainism outside of South Asia, and Jainism and digital media, combining ethnographic methods with textual studies and media analysis. Prof Inge Claerhout, Education Policy Adviser from the Department of Languages and Cultures, who has worked extensively in the field of Archaeology, was also part of this esteemed delegation.
Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of SVU, warmly welcomed the visitors and initiated a broad-ranging discussion on potential areas of collaboration with the K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies. Dr. Supriya Rai, Dean of the Faculty of Dharma Studies and Director of the Institute, shared interests in faculty and student exchange, joint research, and joint degrees between the two universities. The team from Ghent expressed a keen interest in developing collaboration in narrative literature across religious traditions, Indian philosophy, and area studies.
The delegation also enjoyed a guided campus tour, including a visit to the site where Sanskriti, the new building for the K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, is under construction. The emphasis at Somaiya Vidyavihar University on religious studies, culture, art, and archaeology was highly appreciated by the visitors. Dr. Upadhyay, Director of International Relations, further detailed SVU’s vision, programs, and initiatives through a comprehensive presentation.
The visit signifies an exciting new chapter in the relationship between Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Ghent University. Both institutions are committed to nurturing academic collaboration, promoting mutual understanding, and advancing knowledge in fields that reflect the rich cultural heritage and intellectual traditions of India and Belgium.
SVU is proud to be part of this international collaboration and looks forward to continued engagement with Ghent University in the areas of Jainology, Prakrit, narrative literature, Indian philosophy, and more.
Leave a Reply