CHIANG MAI (Thailand) | Jul 18 | Namsai-based Arunachal University of Studies (AUS) in Arunachal Pradesh, in a move to boost educational exchange programme with foreign nation inked an agreement of cooperation (AoC) with Chiang Mai University (CMU) of Thailand here today.
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein was present here when the first of its initiative was taken to set up effective academic relations and to promote scientific relations through economic collaborations between the two varsities. The AoC for a initial period of five-year term would be extended from time to time.
They have agreed to promote and develop academic collaboration by exchange of faculty members, under graduate and graduate students, staff development, exchanging professorship & scientific visits, execution of joint research projects, provision of lectures, seminars and conferences, through exchange of data, documents, research materials, academic information and other mutually beneficial projects.
Terming the AoC as a noble venture, Mein said, “it is a very good beginning and would open a gateway for building diplomatic ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Thailand in educational, cultural and health sectors too”.
It would also bridge academic relations with Arunachal Pradesh and Thailand having uncanny similarities in religion, culture and language, he said, adding it would offer a large scope to boost eco-tourism, cultural tourism, religious tourism, trade exchange and other economic activities in future including with other ASEAN countries.
With the GoI emphasizing to build ties with ASEAN countries through Act East Policy by linking connectivity with the NE states to promote such academic & cultural exchange and foster economic development.
He urged both the varsities to implement the AoC to benefit the teaching fraternity and the students and exuded hope that this AoC would help establish a long term friendship.
Coming together of India and Thailand is the need of the hour, consulate of India to Thailand Shirish Jain, said and admired the AoC, saying it has hit the nail on the head. Citing CMU as a right choice, he informed that a Centre of Indian Studies department would be established in CMU.
Prof Emeritus Avudh Srisukri, vice-chairman of university council-cum-CMU acting president Chiang Mai expressed hope that the AoC will produce positive results.
AUS president Dr Ashwani Lochan, also World Education Mission member, said that it is a big opportunity to be a partner with a renowned university as there are different competencies in both the varsities which would be beneficial for their overall growth.
Associate Prof Rome Chiranukrom, , CMU acting vice-president (international relations & alumni affairs) Chiang Mai informed that initially both varsities will exchange study programme in social science and humanities on village study, language, philosophy, cultural heritage, architect & religion but extended to other subjects like science.
While AUS VC Prof V K Kawatra terming the occasion historic said that both varsities would look for exchange programme on fine arts and music.
It may be mentioned here that in all 66 delegates of Tai communities from NE region including 6 delegates from AUS, 5 from Mohabhodi Lord Buddha College, Namsai and 55 from Assam took part in 13th international conference on Thai studies, themed Globalized Thailand: Connectivity, conflict and conundrums of Thai studies”, at Chiang Mai Exhibition and Convention Center here during July 15 to 18, reflecting current social transformation and predicaments of Thai society.
Arunachal delegates presented papers on “Socio-cultural factors and attitudes affecting health status of Tai-Khamti community: A study of Tai-Khamti community in Namsai district”.
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