GUWAHATI: Gauhati University and Thailand explored opportunities for collaboration in higher education, research, information technology, culture, training, internships and academic exchange during an interaction with a senior Thai delegation in Guwahati.
The delegation was led by Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General, Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and included officials from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of Thai universities.
The discussions focused on expanding institutional links between universities in India and Thailand and creating opportunities for student, faculty and researcher exchanges.
Welcoming the delegation, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta highlighted the historical, cultural and linguistic links between Thailand, India and the North-East, and said these could provide a foundation for contemporary academic partnerships.
“The historical, cultural and linguistic connections between Thailand, India and particularly the North-East are a valuable resource. There is considerable potential to strengthen these ties through academic and institutional cooperation,” Mahanta said.
He referred to the linguistic links between the Thai language and the ancient Tai-Ahom language and highlighted initiatives by Gauhati University to promote and preserve these connections.
Mahanta also noted Thailand’s engagement with India through regional and multilateral platforms, including ASEAN, BIMSTEC, the East Asia Summit, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and IORA.
Mongkolnavin highlighted the Thailand-India strategic partnership and identified education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchange as areas with scope for greater cooperation.
“There are significant opportunities to further expand cooperation between India and Thailand in education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchange,” she said.
She also highlighted the potential for collaboration in information technology and higher education with Indian institutions, including Gauhati University.
The discussions included possible student exchange programmes, faculty and researcher collaboration, training and internship opportunities, and joint initiatives in information technology and higher education. Participants also discussed the need for sustained institutional partnerships between universities in the two countries.
The interaction was attended by Prof. Utpal Sharma, Registrar, Gauhati University; Prof. Rajib Handique, Academic Registrar; representatives of Thai universities; deans of various faculties; Dr Ranjan Kumar Kakati, Secretary, University Classes; heads of departments; faculty members; research scholars; officials of the Centre for South East Asian Studies and other university officials.
The interaction provided a platform for Gauhati University and Thai institutions to explore areas of academic and research cooperation while building on the longstanding links between India and Thailand.
