Indian Ambassador offered university to develop cooperation

On Thursday, 21 September, a meeting of Indian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia Pankaj Saran with Rector of Samara University Evgeniy Shakhmatov took place. The sides discussed the necessity of scientific and educational cooperation of Samara University with scientific and educational institutions of India, joint possibilities and perspectives.

Councillor of economy and commerce department Inbasekar Sundaramurthy, director of Cultural Centre Jawaharlal Nehru Jeisandar, and business representatives as well were in the composition of the delegation headed by Pankaj Saran.

In the course of the negotiations Evgeniy Shakhmatov told about the history of Samara University, successes and achievements of the educational institution in the course of 75 years of history, as well as about the modern level of the university development, its close interaction with enterprises of aerospace cluster and consecutive, active enlargement of international ties.

Pankaj Saran confessed that he is impressed with the university history and knows Samara University as one of the outstanding Russian institutions. He marked that partnership links in the aerospace sphere were between the USSR and India and now Russia and new modern India must build as successful relationships as the former ones. In the Ambassador’s opinion, cooperation of Samara University with the leading Indian universities is one of the steps on the way. He made a row of concrete offers which were completely supported by the Rector of Samara University. 

“Two years ago we created two schemes for promotion of international exchange between scientific institutes of India and scientific institutes of other countries, - Pankaj Saran told. – The Indian government gives an opportunity to foreign scholars and researchers to take part in research programmes or to come to India”. The Ambassador explained that a lecturer interested in this activity determines a discipline himself and chooses a programme. His course in India can last from several weeks to several months. The Indian side in its turn pays for the lecturer’s flight and stipend completely. Within this scheme of cooperation there are two Indian programmes “Gian” and “Vaja”, they are supervised by two different departments. “We have already received very good responses from Russian participants. I will be glad if our university takes part in these projects, this is an excellent opportunity for both sides to make and develop new contacts”, - the Ambassador turned to the university administration.

He was also interested in Samara University’s taking an active part in another direction of exchange. In India programme “Itek” was created, it is not connected with science or lecturing, this is a project for specialists, professionals, for those who want to improve their skills in their profession or to acquire some additional competences. Participants of programme “Itek” chose those courses which are necessary for them and go to study in India to specialized institutes. “In our programme there are 40-50 different disciplines. And if projects “Gian” and “Vaja” have an academic direction, then this programme is developed for professional development. Its participants can study English, some aspects of Information Technology and Business Administration, Human Resources, etc.”, - Pankaj Saran spoke about the details. The Indian side pays for flight and education. The duration of the course can vary from 7 to 10 days, or can be 2-3 months. This programme was also highly appreciated in Russia by the representatives of different professions.

“Participation in such programmes will allow transferring information about Samara University to the leading Indian universities”, - Pankaj Saran is sure.

Moreover, within broadening of cooperation the Indian Ambassador offered Samara University to join Association of Indian-Russian institutions. It was created in 2015 as a uniform platform for technical universities of two countries for Rectors and Vice-Rectors of the leading universities could interact freely.

Evgeniy Shakhmatov came forward with a counter initiative offering the Indian side participation in the programmes financed by the Russian Fundamental Research Fund (RFRF). These are joint scientific research programmes with BRICS countries and India as well. 

The sides expressed confidence that the dialogue that has taken place will become the beginning of a more close cooperation between Samara University and Indian educational institutions.

On completion of the meeting Pankaj Saran read the lecture about history and perspectives of Indian-Russian relations for students and employees of Samara University.

Photo: Evgeniy Avdysh (Photo club “Illuminator”)