O.P. Jindal Global University to Release a Book on the Future of Indian Universities

NEW DELHI, July 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

• Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen to release the book at the Rashtrapati Bhavan
• First copy to be presented to President Pranab Mukherjee
• An edited volume published by the Oxford University Press and edited by the JGU VC, the book looks at the future of Indian universities from comparative and international perspectives

O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) is to release a book entitled 'The Future of Indian Universities: Comparative and International Perspectives'. An edited compilation by JGU Vice Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the book has been published by Oxford University Press and will be unveiled at a high profile function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday 17th July. The first copy of the book will be presented to President Pranab Mukherjee.

The book comes at a time when social, political, and economic shifts across the world make it imperative for India to take stock of the state of its universities and re-imagine their role in the fast changing global scenario. The volume provides international and comparative perspectives on higher education and will seek to highlight issues being faced by Indian universities. The chapters are authored by leading scholars in the fields of law, liberal arts, international relations, and science and technology studies, and reflect the multiple approaches necessary to address the most difficult challenges of our times. The contributors argue for fundamental reforms to bring about a sense of purpose in Indian higher education.

There will be a special address by  Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen and Thomas W. Lamont University Professor, Harvard University.

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O. P. Jindal Global University and Director, International Institute for Higher Education Research & Capacity Building will introduce the theme of the book and will talk about the relevance of the issue in the present context. According to him, at a time when the state of universities and their value to larger society is being increasingly debated, and universities are compelled to rethink their role and the role of higher education, the book raises questions that are central to how we will transform and create universities of the future, not only in India but in other parts of the world as well.

"While globalisation has increasingly driven transformative trends in higher education systems across the world, Indian universities have had to overcome multiple and complex challenges that originate from the heterogeneous and peculiar nature of its societal, economic and political spaces. Our best institutions are a result of collaborations with leading international universities and institutions, and the need to study comparative and international approaches in higher education is undeniable," says Dr. Raj Kumar.

"This book is a culmination of a range of ideas and perspectives that will shape India's aspirations of building world-class universities through comparative and international dimensions. It is a recognition that the future of Indian universities and their ability to seek global excellence will depend on three critical paradigms: first, the importance of new imaginations and a wider vision in how Indian universities pursue institutional excellence; second, the need for substantial reforms relating to policy, regulation and governance of higher education; and third, the need for investigating a paradigmatic shift to promote interdisciplinarity in higher education," he adds. 

Mr. Naveen Jindal, Founding Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University will also grace the function and share his views on the subject. Professor (Dr.) Virander S. Chauhan, Acting Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) will present the keynote address. Mr. Sivaramakrishnan V, Managing Director, Oxford University Press India will propose the vote of thanks. The book launch promises to be an evening of high level academic interaction.

The book is a fine specimen of academic writing, scholarship, and institutional experiences on critical issues in higher education. It has been lauded by eminent personalities, especially those who have been catalysts of change in the field of education. 

Media Contact : Ms. Kakul Rizvi, [email protected] , 8396907273, Additional Director, Communication and Public Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University