SHILLONG, May 16: In a bid to enable scholars take initiatives and lead in various scholarly, economic, cultural and social activities involving Asian countries, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has joined hands with the Association of Asia Scholars (AAS), New Delhi, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday at the Conference Hall of the university.
The MoU was signed by Vice Chancellor of USTM, Prof GD Sharma, and Prof Swaran Singh, president of AAS, and Prof and Chair, Centre for International Politics, Organization and Disarmament, JNU, New Delhi, in the presence of USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque and other dignitaries.
Speaking in this context, Prof Swaran Singh, president of AAS, said, “I was impressed with the infrastructure and dynamism of USTM leadership and happy to build partnership between AAS and USTM. I look forward to taking our MOU into action with joint work with USTM”.
The AAS has been working since November 2005 in India’s national interest and for global peace and harmony, he added.
USTM VC Prof GD Sharma said that the agreement with the AAS would help cooperation in the areas of academic, research, educational, publishing and establish a long-term partnership between USTM and AAS with the goal to globalize Asia. This will endorse international conferences, seminars, webinars, and workshops, publications about traditions, culture and politics of Asian countries and their global standing.
According to the MoU, both the organisations will recommend their scholars and experts to facilitate implementation of professional exchange. They have agreed to be a part of projects on Indian studies focusing on South and Southeast Asia and issues relevant for North East India as well as the issues of mutual concerns and interests. It was also agreed that each party will recommend scholars interested in carrying their research, introduce each other to persons/institutions to each other for expanding bilateral relations/studies, and collaborate in the publication of books and journals, exchange research materials of mutual interests.
