How did the idea for the South Asia initiative arise?
From freshmen in Harvard College to faculty, there has been an increasing interest in strengthening its engagement with the region.
What makes the region relevant today?
The region is in the throes of every major issue—economic growth, challenges of poverty and religious pluralism. You can’t study these issues without South Asia.
Are current political affairs the determinant of which regions receive academic attention?
No. South Asia is increasingly important in the long run.
Has the South Asian American community been promoting the initiative?
We’ve held meetings with South Asian public and private sectors in India, US and Europe.
Does Harvard have any research collaborations with the region?
Many. For example, the Kennedy School of Government is collaborating with the iim Ahmedabad to train senior ias officers.
Highlights of South Asia scholarship.
Professor John Kenneth Galbraith who served as US ambassador to India, at a critical point in Indo-US relations.
Major South Asian publications.
Amartya Sen’s books, including The Argumentative Indian, have deepened our understanding of South Asia.
Are there many students from the region?
There were 275 from South Asia this year, 193 are from India. The numbers have almost doubled in the past 10 years.
Do you personally have any relationship with the region?
I look forward to visiting in the near future.
