India and Washington University St. Louis are joining forces for a social justice partnership

Washington University in St. Louis and India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment have finalized a partnership for academic research, student exchange and generating global leaders in various areas of social justice, according to top officials.

The broad-based research partnership was proposed at a meeting here between Union MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale and Director of Advancement, International Programs, Eric Yin, of the 171-year-old Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

At least 26 Nobel laureates have conducted a significant portion of their award-winning and globally acclaimed research work at this leading private university, founded in 1853, officials said.

“Through this partnership, we aim to encourage research, capacity building and train the next generation of global leaders in the areas of inclusivity, diversity, equality, allyship and social justice,” Union Minster Athawale told IANS, previewing the plans. .

This partnership would seek to strengthen ties with India through collaboration with the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, on the lines of Washington University in St. Louis’ academic collaboration with IIT-Bombay.

One of the highlights would be a program of study that would be designed for approximately 100-200 students of the Masters in Social Work (MSW) from various institutions here, who would pursue their final year studies at Washington University’s St. Louis campus in Missouri .

There would be an exchange program under which the research students could spend six to 12 months on the campuses of India and the US to understand the realities of social excellence in both countries, Union Minister Athawale said.

Yin said Washington University’s MSW program in St. Louis has been No. 1 or No. 2 in global rankings for decades.

He said the varsity’s Brown School offers courses with rigorous research training leading to doctorates in social work (since 1952) and public health sciences (since 2014), preparing the scholars for good academic careers at top universities.

Union Minister Athawale said Washington University in St. Louis has offered scholarships to deserving Indian students, who in turn would support India’s Ministry of Social Justice, which provides similar benefits to economically disadvantaged communities.

“Our proposed partnership with Washington University in St. Louis will boost our efforts in creating an environment in which economically and socially disadvantaged students and individuals with disabilities can thrive and enjoy the benefits of education in the best schools and research institutions in the world,” he added. .

The Union Minister further said that an India-US Center is also in the offing which will provide various services and serve as a hub for skill development, promoting self-reliance and resulting in empowerment as proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In addition to the Brown School, Yin urged India to explore the academic and research opportunities available at its other prominent campuses, such as the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Law, Olin Business School and others, for the benefit of Indian students.

After the successful discussions in Mumbai, Union Minister Athawale said he is likely to attend a major conference on the realities of social justice at Washington University in St. Louis in July and August this year.

He explained that his ministry facilitates international scholarships for the poor, the tribals, the Dalits and children of agricultural laborers or traditional artisans to obtain world-class higher education at national or international universities and will now try to make India Inc. to apply for CSR funds. for similar initiatives.

Last year, of the 125 students who received international scholarships, 115 went to SC students, 6 to various categories of tribes and 4 to children of farmers or traditional artisans, including 30 percent women.

Published: Sunday, Apr 28, 2024 5:10 PM IST