The unthinkable is happening. Even Islamic universities in India are thinking about starting courses in Judaism? Is this a mark of India's openness and tolerance or interest generated by Israel's strides? One does not know. But the newsletter by Israel embassy in New Delhi informs this startling and welcome development. According the information given in Shalom Namaste, July issue, heads of several leading Indian universities visited recently Israel for a four-day intensive academic tour in order to develop formal co-operations with Israeli institutions. The Indian delegation comprised of Professor Suranjan Das, University of Calcutta; Prof. Mushirul Hasan, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi; Prof. Pramod Tandon, North Eastern Hill University, Shilong and Prof. B. B. Bhattacharya, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
The delegates met academic Presidents and Deans from the IDC Herzliya, Tel Aviv University, Ben Gurion University, Volcani Institute and Hebrew University to identify areas of cooperation in various fields. The delegates also met President Shimon Peres and the Minister of Education, Mr. Yuli Tamir.
Consequent to their visit, Jamia Milia Islamia University has evinced keen interest in introducing courses on Judaism while three other premier varsities have sought cooperation with Israeli institutions in areas like agriculture, water management and biotechnology.
Jamia’s Vice Chancellor Mr. Mushirul Hasan, during a meeting with Hebrew University President Menachem Magido, expressed his desire to introduce courses on Judaism in his university's curriculum and talked about the possibility of Israeli professors teaching there. Hasan also discussed the possibility of an exchange programme between the universities of the two countries.
Jawaharlal Nehru University's Vice Chancellor Mr. B. B. Bhattacharya sought a MoU with Hebrew University in the field of water management and conservation. Bhattacharya has also explored opportunities of cooperation in the field of biotechnology, nanotechnology and economics, besides seeking exchange programme for teachers.
North Eastern Hill University’s Vice Chancellor Mr. Pramod Tandon expressed his interest in cooperation in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, plant biology, and agriculture and water sciences. Tandon showed particular interest in Hebrew University's faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences Division for External studies.
If this is true, then it will be a great development. I hope it comes true.
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