Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Center for Gandhian and Indian Studies’ at Fudan University on May 16, 2015 during his official visit to Shanghai. Prior to the inauguration, the Minister was welcomed by the Shanghai Mayor Mr. Yang Xiong. During his meeting with the Mayor, Prime Minister spoke about increasing cooperation between Shanghai and Indian cities.

The inauguration ceremony also saw two Chinese students from Fudan University reciting passage from Bhagwad Gita in Sanskrit, which was followed by gifting of books from Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi to the newly established Center.In his speech, the Prime Minister appreciated the interest among Chinese to learn Gandhian philosophy. He said that Gandhian philosophy is a solution to many problems in the world including non-violence and climate change.

The Center for Gandhian and Indian Studies at Fudan University is headed by Indologist Prof. Liu Zhen. Deputy Director of the Center is Prof. Zhang Jiaodong. The researchers at the Center would be Prof. Shen Dingli, Prof. Ren Xiaobo, prof. Tang Mingjun, Prof. Zheng Weihong and Prof. Eberhard Guhe.