MSU, Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies ink MoU

Vadodara: MS University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS), United Kingdom (UK) mainly in the areas of Hindu studies. The MoU also focuses in common areas of research.
“Both the institutions have agreed to explore the possibilities of cooperation in exchanging information in field of mutual interest, joint research activities, exchange of invitations to scholars for lectures, talks and sharing of experience,” said professor Dhanesh Patel, director of MSU’s Office of International Affairs.
Patel further said that MSU has also agreed for exchange of invitations to scholars to participate in conferences, colloquia and symposia and exchange of faculty members, postgraduate and undergraduate students for study and research.
The MoU was signed by MSU vice-chancellor professor Vijay Kumar Srivastava and Shaunaka Rishi Das, director of Centre for Hindu studies from OCHS side. Before signing the MOU, the team from MSU also visited OCHS’s library and interacted with staff and student members. Patel along with Srivastava had visited OCHS during their visit to the UK.
OCHS is an academy for the study of Hindu cultures, societies, philosophies, religions and languages, in all periods and in all parts of the world, maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, originality and excellence, MSU officials said.
The academy is dedicated to preserving India and Nepal’s cultural heritage and promoting a better understanding through a comprehensive programme of education, publishing, and research. Das, a lecturer, a broadcaster and Hindu chaplain to Oxford University, is a member of The Commission on Religion and Belief in British Public Life, convened in 2013 by the Woolf Institute, Cambridge. In 2013, the Indian government had appointed him to sit on the international advisory council of the Auroville Foundation.