Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extending the term of the Hindi Language Chair, functioning at the University since 2012. The MoU was signed by Consul General of India Shri Praksah Gupta, (on behalf of ICCR), & SISU President Mr Cao Deming at the University premises.

2.     The initial MoU was signed on October 29, 2012 for a period of five years by (then) Ambassador of India to China Dr S. Jaishankar & SISU Executive Vice President Mr Feng Qinghua. Under the terms of the agreement, the MoU envisaged appointing a Hindi Language professor by ICCR in consultation with SISU to teach the language to Chinese and international students at the University. The Chair, in addition to the teaching assignments, was also expected to conduct research in the language.

3.     The first course on Hindi language at SISU commenced in September 2013, wherein a total of eleven Chinese students enrolled. During the course of the study, eight of the students visited India to study at the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Wardha (Maharshtra), where they stayed for ten months, learning not only the language but imbibing various aspects of Indian culture as well. These students have also been an active participants at various activities organized by the Consulate General of India, Shanghai, and have also won several awards and accolades at the Hindi Diwas celebrations last year. These students are expected to graduate in June this year, following which the new batch of students would be enrolled.

4.     With the completion of the term of the first MoU approaching, both ICCR and SISU agreed to extend it’s term for another four years, given the popularity of Hindi language amongst Chinese students. Prof Naveen Chandra Lohani from the prestigious Kurukshetra University of India has joined as the new Hindi Chair at SISU since February 2017, for a period of two years. He brings with himself about thirty years of teaching experience at several reputed institutions.

5.     SISU is an internationally recognized, prestigious academic institution distinctive for its multidisciplinary and multicultural nature. Currently, SISU offer courses in 32 modern languages including Hindi. In addition to the Hindi Chair, SISU Hindi department has two local faculties, both having acquired proficiency in Hindi language from reputed Indian Institutes. All Hindi faculties, including the Hindi Chair were also present at the signing of the MoU.

12 April, 2017

Shanghai