Consulate General of India
Bali
Press Release - MoU Signing Ceremony on Sanskrit Chair
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi and the State Hindu University of I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar was signed on 16 May 2024, by the Consul General of India in Bali, Dr. Shashank Vikram and the Rector, Prof. Dr. Drs. I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, M.Si. respectively.
The signing ceremony was held at the office of Consulate General of India, Bali in Denpasar in the presence of academicians, representatives of government institutions, media personnel, and Indian diaspora in Bali. During the occasion the Consul General extended his gratitude towards the ICCR and the Rector of Sugriwa University for making the establishment of the ICCR Chair come to life. He highlighted the roles of Sanskrit language towards the development of Balinese language, religion, arts, architecture, and philosophical outlook which marked the significant connection existed between India and Indonesia. He also delivered the Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty congratulatory message. On the other hand, the Rector of Sugriwa University conveyed his thanks to the Consulate General of India Bali for facilitating the establishment of ICCR Chair as it would be beneficial for the University on their future endeavors. He further mentioned that in order to promote cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence, students exchange and cultural exchange programs between the University and educational institutions in India are encouraged.
Through this MoU, the two Institutions established their cooperation and decided to finalize the functioning of the ICCR Chair in the University from 2024 to 2029. This is the first MoU signed between ICCR and the University. State Hindu University of I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar is the first and the only state Hindu University in Indonesia with various courses ranging from languages, cultural and social studies, as well as tourism and entrepreneurship. A key factor in the agreement's completion was its dedication to the study, teaching, and research of Sanskrit, Hinduism, and Indian subjects.
The ICCR Chair for Sanskrit Chair is expected to visit the State Hindu University of I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar in near future to take part in the Sanskrit teaching course as well as in other activities such as departmental seminars, conferences, faculty meetings etc. ICCR has been establishing Chairs of Indian Studies since the 70's at various foreign Universities with the aim of generating interest in India amongst foreign students as well as creating greater understanding about India and Indian civilization amongst the global community of academic and thought leaders.
During this historical occasion, a series of cultural programme followed, with the participation of Dvipantara Samskrtam Foundation members, who performed a charming Sanskrit chanting and a beautiful Sanskrit song. A mesmerizing Indian classical dance performed by SVCC Bali’s Odissi dance teacher also enlivened the programme on that day.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Rector and the Professors conveyed their thanks to ICCR for the agreement. On the occasion of the Signing Ceremony, a series of forthcoming collaborations and future projects were also discussed.
