Center for Gandhian and Indian Studies inaugurated by PM Modi in China finding difficult to get experts

The head of Center for Gandhian and Indian Studies (CGIS) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated at Shanghai's Fudan University last week has said he is facing problems in finding Indologists and Gandhian studies experts for it.
“Most Indologists in China are experts in Buddhism. We need variety . The best option is to get from India,“ CGIS dean Liu Zhen told TOI. The situation is stark in the case of Gandhian studies. “Unfortunately , we have no experts on Gandhian studies.There are none to be found in China. Establishing Gandhian studies in China is not an easy task.'' Liu said he would push for Hinduism and Jainism studies, but there are no scholars in China on these subjects as well.

He said the formation of CGIS is the first step and that an essential framework had been created. “I hope it will evolve into a proper university faculty ,“ Liu said. He said everyone knows the importance of the centre. “There are so many Sinology institutions the world over. But so few Indology faculties although both are countries with similar population sizes and depth of history and culture,“ he said. “We will work hard to make this Center a success.'' The CGIS currently has no courses to offer. “It does not have research projects of its own but the newly appointed teachers will bring their ongoing research work within the framework of the centre,'' sad Liu.

As of now, there is no sign of contribution in terms of teachers or educational material from India.The Fudan University is handing the entire task. India needs to provide sufficient funding to upgrade the CGIS besides linking it with Indian universities.