Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies completes 20 years
LONDON:A centre at the University of Oxford devoted to the academic study of Hinduism has completed 20 years of research, leading to more than 150 books, 280 papers, and ties with institutions in India and elsewhere.
Considered a leading centre for learning in the area, the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS) will hold a 20th anniversary celebration dinner at the Oxford Town Hall on July 2.
Based at Magdalen Street near iconic Oxford colleges, the centre has attracted students, scholars and individuals from India and elsewhere over the years, delivering more than 2000 lectures, including by actor Amitabh Bachchan, who delivered the Ford Lecture in 2011.
“Our aims have been dual: to fuel the academic study of Hinduism, and to take this scholarship from its high perch and make it responsive to the needs of everyday Hindus and the wider community,” a senior OCHS functionary said. “Our publishing, conferences and visiting student opportunities have accomplished the former, and our burgeoning online courses and outreach projects, the latter.”
Recalling his 2011 visit, Bachchan said: “I am overwhelmed that there are people in England that have taken it upon themselves academically to go into the subject and prepare students that will go back to their own countries and be able to educate others in the deeper meanings of this philosophy.”