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EVENTS National Conference on India and the Global Balance of Power: Strategic Implications Global India Foundation is a not-for-profit research organization premised on promoting national resilience and international interdependence within the broad spectrum of economic prosperity liberal values and social commitment. In keeping with its mandate of cooperative research endeavors and public dissemination, the Foundation has taken up a major research project under the title of Towards an Indian Century: Prospects and Challenges to explore the most important aspects and dimensions of India’s emergence as a global player pinpointing its strategic implications. As a part of the project a conference was held in 6 August, 2015 at the Turiyananda Hall of Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Kolkata, initiating varied discussion over the issue. Detailed Report
Fourth Annual Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture The Annual Fourth K Subrahmanyam Lecture programme organised at Multipurpose Hall, India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on 24 March 2015 was a resounding success, with a brilliant Lecture by Lt. Gen. Shamsher Singh Mehta on Securing India's Insecurity. Detailed Report Third Annual Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture Global India Foundation hosted the Third Annual Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture on January 20, 2014, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. Admiral Arun Prakash, PVSM, AVSM, VNC, VSM (Former Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy) delivered the Lecture and spoke on “Civil – Military Dissonance: Chink in India’s Armour”. Detailed Report International Conference:Iran’s Eurasian Dynamic: Mapping Regional and Extra-Regional Interests Global India Foundation under the auspices of the trilateral cooperation with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) and the India-Central Asia Foundation (ICAF) organised an International Conference on ‘Iran’s Eurasian Dynamic: Mapping Regional and Extra-Regional Interests’ at the India International Centre on 13h and 14th of February 2013. The Conference was supported by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies and IFCI. The two day deliberations saw the coming together of Iranian, Indian and Eurasian viewpoints on the pertinent theme of Iran’s role in the Eurasian region and the attendant ramifications thereof. 14 academic papers were presented at the Conference on the broad themes of Iran in Eurasia, Iran and Energy Politics, India-Iran Relations, Iran and Extra-Regional Players, Iran’s Current Dynamics. Detailed Report Panel Discussion on Foreign Policy Challenges in India’s Near East Global India Foundation organized in collaboration with the Institute of Foreign Policy Studies (IFPS), University of Calcutta, a panel discussion on Foreign Policy Challenges in India’s Near East on 9th October 2012, at the Centre for Social Sciences and Humanities Auditorium, (10th Floor), Alipore Campus, University of Calcutta. In the light of recent developments in the region conventionally known as Southeast Asia, the discussion sought to critically highlight the major components of and challenges to India’s foreign policy towards her eastern neighbours which continue to be crucial to her national interest. The panel included Vice Admiral P.J Jacob, Chairman, Global India Foundation, Amb. Salman Haidar, Former Foreign Secretary, Government of India and Vice-Chairman, Global India Foundation, Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Professor, Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University and Member Secretary, Global India Foundation, Prof. Hari Vasudevan, Department of History, University of Calcutta and Mr. Sanjay Pulipaka, Fellow, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata. (A) A) The Panel, (B) Interactions with the audience The
discussion outlined the historical, ethnographic links with
the countries forming India’s near east and emphasized
the new age focus on economic and security ties through engagement
of multilateral organizations like ASEAN and the initiation
and implementation of the Look East policy (Phases 1 and 2).
The issues of bilateral and multilateral trade, connectivity,
defence cooperation and people to people contact were carefully
outlined and problematized, and possible mechanisms for effective
resolution were highlighted. The discussion also witnessed
enthusiastic participation by scholars and students from leading
Universities and centres of learning who raised pertinent,
probing questions on related issues which impinge crucially
on the prospect of relations between India and her eastern
neighbours. Report on the Special Address by Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda on ‘All round development of youth in Haryana: by Greater Opportunities of Education and Sports’ Global India Foundation organized a Special Address by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda at the India International Centre, New Delhi on the 4th of October, 2012 in collaboration with the alumni of Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai and Sainik School Kanjpura. The Special Address was presided over by Adml. P.J.Jacob (Chairman, GIF), Prof. Omprakash Mishra (Member Secretary, GIF) and Mr. Hardeep Singh Dahiya, who was also the Programme Convenor. Admiral Jacob opened the programme by welcoming the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Hon’ble Chief Minister spoke about the overall development
of the youth in the state especially in the field of Sports
and Education. Prof.Mishra gave the closing remarks. Professors,
Members of Civil Services, Defence and Paramilitary Officers,
Police Officers, Lawyers and Alumni of Sainik School Kunjpura
and Motilal Nehru School of Sports Rai were in attendance. Second Annual Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture Global India Foundation hosted the Second Annual Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture on the 29th of August 2012 at the India International Centre, New Delhi. Amb. Shyam Saran (Former Foreign Secretary and Chairman, RIS) delivered the Lecture and spoke on ‘China in the 21st Century: What India needs to know about China’s World View’ ( link). Detailed Report ‘Financial Security and International Interdependence’, delivered by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of India The Global India Foundation hosted a special address on ‘Financial Security and International Interdependence’, delivered by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of India on May 27, 2012 at the Pala, ITC Sonar, Kolkata. Vice-Admiral P.J Jacob, Chairman, Global India Foundation and Dr. Sreeradha Datta, Director, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies made the introductory and welcome remarks, following which Shri Atul Rai, CEO and Managing Director, IFCI spoke of the propriety of the subject in present times as the Guest of Honour. The proceeding was chaired by Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary, Global India Foundation. Sayantani Sen, Fellow and Academic Coordinator, Global India Foundation offered the vote of thanks.Detailed Report Release of IAW The Global India Foundation launched the International Affairs Watch (IAW) on May 9, 2012 at the Bengal Club, Kolkata. IAW was formally released by Prof. Samir Kumar Das (Vice-Chancellor, North Bengal University), Prof. Abhirup Sarkar (Economic Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata), Dr. Sreeradha Datta (Director, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of asian Studies, Kolkata), Admiral P.J. Jacob (Chairman, Global India Foundation) Prof. Omprakash Mishra (Member Secretary, Global India Foundation) and Sayantani Sen (Editor, International Affairs Watch) amidst the august presence of senior academics, journalists, professionals and scholars. Detailed Report International Conferences India
Vietnam Ties: Retrospect and Prospect (14th February 2012) International Conference on ‘India’s Eurasian Endeavour: Rediscoveries and Reformulations’ Global India Foundation under the auspices of the trilateral collaboration with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) and the India-Central Asia Foundation (ICAF) organised an International Conference on ‘India’s Eurasian Endeavour: Rediscoveries and Reformulations’ at India International Centre Annex, New Delhi on the 29th and 30th of September 2011. Detailed Report A Round Table Consultation on India-Bangladesh Relation: The Way Forward A Round Table Consultation on India-Bangladesh Relation: The Way Forward was held on 16th August, 2011 by Global India Foundation and Institute of Foreign Policy Studies,University of Calcutta at Jadavpur University. The objective of the Consultation was to renew the necessary emphasis on strengthening India – Bangladesh bilateral relations and move towards a more favourable engagement between the two neighbours. Detailed Report First Annual Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture and Seminar on the ‘Coordinates and Compulsions of India’s Foreign Policy’ Global India Foundation organized the First Annual Krishnaswamy Memorial Lecture at the India International Centre, New Delhi on the 2nd of August, 2011. His Excellency Shri M.K.Narayanan, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal chaired the Memorial Lecture delivered by Padma Vibhushan Shri Brajesh Chandra Mishra. As former National Security Advisors, both highlighted Subrahmanyam’s contribution to the nation’s strategic thought and articulated the essence of contemporary Indian foreign policy. Ambassador Arundhati Ghose, Commodore Uday Bhaskar and Dr.C.Raja Mohan spoke about the profound impact that Subrahmanyam had on the strategic culture of the country. Detailed Report Dr. Michael Auslin’s Lecture at Global India Foundation Dr. Michael Auslin of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) visited the Foundation on May 17, 2011, to present a lecture on the “Future of U.S.-Sino Relations and South Asia”. Dr. Auslin, the Director of Japan Studies of (AEI) was an Associate Professor of History and a Senior Research Fellow at the Macmillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale University prior to joining AEI. A frequent commentator in U.S. and foreign media, Mr. Auslin is also a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. His writings on Asia and Japan include the book Pacific Cosmopolitans: A Cultural History of U.S.-Japan Relations (Harvard University Press, 2011) and the report Security in the Indo-Pacific Commons: Toward a Regional Strategy (AEI Press, 2010). He has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a Marshall Memorial Fellow by the German Marshall Fund, and a Fulbright and Japan Foundation Scholar. Detailed Report Conference Report: Emergence of India as a Global Player Global India Foundation, in collaboration with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies and IFCI, successfully organized a three-day international conference between March 24 and March 26, 2011, entitled Emergence of India as a Global Player at the H. L. Roy Auditorium at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India. The themes discussed by the participants included, inter alia, India’s foreign policy and grand strategy, India’s immediate and extended neighbourhoods, new directions in India’s external outlook, challenges to India’s rise as a global player, India’s place in the global economy, and crucial bilateral ties, with a concentration on East and Southeast Asia and Europe. In attendance were former and current diplomats, politicians, members of the armed forces, academics and researchers in the social sciences, journalists, practitioners, and students from across West Bengal and the rest of India. Detailed Report International Seminar on "India – Kazakhstan: Prospects for a Strategic Partnership" The India-Central Asia Foundation (ICAF), Global India Foundation (GIF), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) and the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) organised an International Seminar on "India – Kazakhstan: Prospects for a Strategic Partnership’, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on the 18th of January 2011. Global India Foundation was represented by Vice-Admiral P.J.Jacob (Chairman), Professor Omprakash Mishra (Member Secretary), Mr.Ninad Nag, Dr.Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay, Mr.Anurag Sinha and Ms.Cauvery Ganapathy ( Fellows, GIF). Dr.Bandyopadhyay and Mr.Sinha presented insightful academic papers on ‘The Security Challenges facing Kazakhstan and their Implications on India-Kazakhstan Relations’ and ‘The Process of Myth-making: The Economic Salience of Kazakhstan’, respectively. The Seminar bore a sharp focus on prospects for strategic partnership while addressing the issues of security challenges, science and technology, and the opportunity for cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The Seminar attempted to explore and develop institutional linkages for promoting a higher level of understanding and appreciation of strategic partnership between India and Kazakhstan. The need to cultivate this particular bilateral dynamic was emphatically expressed. The proceedings drew to a close on the consensus that the chances that may have been lost need to be revisited once again, because the strategic partnership between these two nations is a naturally corollary of the interdependent world order. National Round Table Consultation on "Maternal Mortality Reduction Strategies" Global India Foundation in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London and Rotary International hosted a National Round Table Consultation on 'Maternal Mortality Reduction Strategies' on 8th September 2010, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The initiative brought together medical practitioners, representatives of State Health and Family Welfare departments, policy makers and academics to articulate and address the means of effecting positive changes in India's endeavours against maternal mortality. The Foundation was represented by the Chairman Vice Admiral (Retd.) P.J.Jacob, Prof.Omprakash Mishra (Member Secretary), Ziba Mirza, Ninad Nag, Cauvery Ganapathy, Amrita Chowdhury ( Fellows). International Conference On “Changing Security Landscape of Eurasia: Role of Regional Groupings” The India-Central Asia Foundation, New Delhi, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, (MAKAIAS), Kolkata, organised a three-day international conference entitled Changing Security Landscape of Eurasia: Role of Regional Groupings, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, from May 27 to 29, 2010. International Conference on “India and her Neighbourhoods” A three day International Conference was organised and hosted by the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata, on “India and her Neighbourhoods,” from March 27 to March 29, 2010 at Hotel Golden Park, Kolkata. An Interactive Session with the Political Science students of Surendranath College for Women,Kolkata The Foundation organised an interactive session and hosted dinner for the Political Science students of Surendranath College for Women,Kolkata, at India International Centre, New Delhi on 9th May 2010. The 55 students of the College were visiting New Delhi as part of their educational tour. Dr. Prabhas C Sinha joined the Foundation as Director (Projects) Dr. Prabhas C Sinha joined the Foundation as Director (Projects) at the New Delhi office. Mr. Sinha has worked in several countries and in a host of prestigious institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University, WWF-India, Aqua Foundation, Environment and Policy Institute, Foundation for Conflict Resolution and the Indian Institute of Contemporary Studies. His area of study and research includes issues ranging from International Environmental Strategies, Programmes, Policies & Laws, Environmental Diplomacy, Negotiations and Agreements Coastal, Marine and Antarctic Law, Policy and Governance, Ecotourism Strategy, Forest Policy and Biodiversity Laws, to Regional Development and Sustainable Development Strategies, Conflict Resolution, Human Rights and International Studies. CV DR. S.K. HARIKUMAR JOINS GLOBAL INDIA FOUNDATION AS NATIONAL CONSULTANT (HONORARY) ON PUBLIC HEALTH Dr. S.K. Harikumar recently joined Global India Foundation as National Consultant (Honorary) on Public Health. Together with Dr. Sunil Chacko (Hon. Vice President, GIF Chapter of North America and Japan) and Prof. Sanjukta Bhattacharya (Executive Council Member, GIF) he would be responsible for concretising GIF's programme on public health, particularly on HIV/AIDS. Detailed Report THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON “INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY, LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS AND HABITAT UTILIZATION: CONCEPTS AND PERSPECTIVES OF DEVELOPMENT” The North East Centre For Research and Development (NECRD) on the occasion of Indira Gandhi's National Open University (IGNOU)'s silver jubilee celebration organised the first annual National Conference on “Indigenous Technology, Livelihood Options and Habitat Utilization: Concepts and Perspectives of Development” at Hotel Ginger and the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development in Guwahati, Assam, between November 22 and 24, 2009. Detailed Report FELICITATION OF SHRI. OSCAR FERNANDES AND MR. ARMOOGUM PARSURAMEN BY GLOBAL INDIA FOUNDATION Members of the Executive Council, Staff and Associates of Global India Foundation hosted a dinner reception to felicitate Shri. Oscar Fernandes, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, and Mr. Armoogum Parsuramen, Director and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the Court, India International Centre Annexe, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. This event also marked the commencement of the Delhi Chapter of Global India Foundation. Detailed Report Inauguration of IILM Institute for Higher Education - Global India Foundation Collaboration On the occasion of the inauguration of IILM Institute for Higher Education – Global India Foundation Collaboration, there was a programme hosted in New Delhi, at the IILM premises, on Monday, October 5, 2009 at 5.30 p.m., with a keynote address on The Four Pillars of Education, which was delivered by Dr. Karan Singh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and President, ICCR. Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, and Member, Executive Council, Global India Foundation, presided over the programme which also featured addresses by Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Pro-Vice Chancellor, IGNOU and Member Secretary, GIF, and Prof. B. Bhattacharyya, Vice-Chairman, IILM. Seminar on 'Non-traditional Security Threats To South Asia: Issues Of Sustainable Development and Poverty.' Dr. Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay, Fellow, Global India Foundation, was invited by the Foreign Policy Study Circle of the American Center, Kolkata, to chair a seminar on 'Non-traditional Security Threats To South Asia: Issues Of Sustainable Development and Poverty,' on July 16, 2009. The papers presented at the seminar were on topics pertaining to various non-traditional security threats; primarily focusing on areas covering Poverty and Hunger in South Asia and Sustainable Development. The seminar was attended by prominent academics, journalists, environmentalists and people from various walks of life. GIF-ICAF Delegation To Kyrgyzstan From June 17-21, 2009, in collaboration with the India Central Asia Foundation (ICAF), Global India Foundation (GIF) partook in a Track 2 initiative to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Kyrgyzstan. Joining the ICAF delegation of Dr. K. Santhanam, Brigadier Devinder Singh and Dr. Ramakant Dwivedi, GIF was represented by Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Member Secretary, GIF, Ms. Sayantani Sen (Academic Co-ordinator, GIF) and Ms.Cauvery Ganapathy (Fellow, GIF).This Track 2 initiative has enjoyed the express support of the Kyrgyz Ambassador to India, Ms. Orolbaeva Irina Abdyevna. Detailed Report International Conference on 'Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in South and Central Asia' The International Conference on "Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in South and Central Asia," was organised by Global India Foundation in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Chandigarh, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata from March 1 to 2, 2009 at Jadavpur University, Kolkata. It witnessed the participation of delegates from Central Asia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and from all over India. Detailed Report Conference
on ‘Redefining South-South Cooperation: Africa on the
Centre-Stage’
Session in Progress The Conference focused on the strategic positioning and significance of Africa in the framework of South-South cooperation initiatives. It covered a wide range of issues from the normative and institutional basis of South-South cooperation and the dynamics of economic, technological and cultural interactions of the nations of the South with Africa. It witnessed participation by delegates and scholars from academic institutions, think-tanks, governmental and inter-governmental agencies of India, Africa, Europe and the United States of America. The Conference raised pertinent questions about the efficacy of South-South cooperation with regard to Africa and recognized the need for creating a more level playing field in commercial relations to ensure more inclusive nature of South-South Cooperation. Global
India Foundation registered its participation with paper presentations
by Dr. Sanjukta Banerjee Bhattacharyya, Executive Council
Member, GIF on “Engaging Africa: India’s Interests
in the African Continent, Past and Present” and Ms.
Sreya Maitra, Fellow, GIF on “Avenues of Sustainable
Initiatives in South-South Cooperation: Appraising India and
China’s Africa Strategy.” Seminar on Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction Dr. Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay, Fellow, Global India Foundation, delivered a lecture with a Power Point presentation on "Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Emerging Threat to Civil Society," at a seminar organised by the Foreign Policy Study Circle in collaboration with the American Center, Kolkata, on February 19, 2009, at the Lincoln Room, American Center, Kolkata. The programme was attended by Mr. Moulik Berkana, the Deputy Director of the American Center, as well as by various scholars, academicians and people from all walks of life. The
question and answer session featured an interesting discussion
about the future threat of weapons of mass destruction to
India, the current scenario with regard to security and the
necessity of building the infrastructure needed to prevent
and counter such attacks. Visit by Prof. Amitabh Mattoo to GIF Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, former member, National Security Advisory Board and member, Executive Council, Global India Foundation visited the Foundation office in Kolkata on February 5, 2009 and interacted with the fellows on their areas of academic specialisation.
Prof. Amitabh Mattoo with the fellows 2008 International Conference of CELAO The Third International Conference of Consejo de Estudios Latinoamericanos de Asia y de Oceania (CELAO: Latin American Studies Council of Asia and Oceania), was organized by the Centre of Canadian, US and Latin American Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in collaboration with the School of Social Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) between December 3-5, 2008 at the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. The overarching theme of the conference was ‘Contemporary Latin America and the Caribbean’. It witnessed the participation of delegates from across the Asia-Pacific, the Latin American and the Caribbean regions and from all over India. The Conference was formally inaugurated on December 3, 2008 with the inaugural address by Hon. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Union Minister of External Affairs, India, followed by Prof. Won-Ho Kim’s (President CELAO) address. The Inaugural Session was chaired by Prof. B.B. Bhattacharya, Vice Chancellor Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, alongside Prof Omprakash Mishra, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University and Member Secretary, Global India Foundation, Kolkata.Detailed Report International Conference on ‘Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in South Asia’ The Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Chandigarh, organised an International Conference on ‘Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in South Asia’ from November 27 to 29, 2008 within the CRRID premises at Chandigarh. The Conference was meant to solidify the spirit of peace, harmony and security in the South Asia Region and it highlighted the efficacy of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a pivotal tool to bind the entire region into a cohesive conglomerate. The Conference was enhanced by the presence of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Janab Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Quereshi, who delivered a sympathetic lecture to convey Pakistan’s feeling of solidarity towards India. The horrific terrorist attack on Mumbai on November 26, 2008 bestowed a distinct importance to the Conference. All the dignitaries present at the Conference expressed pronouncedly their wholehearted support and endeavour towards combating the current menace of terrorism. Global India Foundation was represented by Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary, Global India Foundation and Pro-Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, and Ms. Sayantani Sen Mazumdar, Fellow, Global India Foundation. While Prof. Mishra gave a lecture on Trade in South Asia, Ms. Sen Mazumdar presented a paper on "The Panorama of Enduring Economic Liaison between North East India and the SAARC." Panel Session on India and the Policy Effect of Obama The Bharat Chamber of Commerce organised a panel discussion on ‘India and the Policy Effect of Obama’, at the Park Hotel, Kolkata, on November 14, 2008. Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Pro Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU and Member Secretary, Global India Foundation, Kolkata was one of the chief speakers at the event. The programme began with a welcome address by the President of Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Mr. P.R. Agarwala. He spoke at length about the unparalleled character of the 2008 US Presidential Election and about the impact of Mr. Obama’s election on both the US and global economy. Detailed Report Dr Sunil Chacko appointed Hony. Vice President, North America, GIF Dr.
Sunil Chacko, Professor of Health Sciences (Adjunct) at Simon
Fraser University, Vancouver, and International Scientific
Committee Member of the Canadian National Centre of Excellence:
Advanced Foods and Materials Network, was appointed as Honorary
Vice-President of the Global India Foundation for North America
and Japan, GIF, and shall oversee the North American and Far
Eastern projects of the Foundation. Detailed
Report Chennai Chapter launched A Consultation Meeting on the Chennai Chapter of Global India Foundation was held on Monday, August 18, 2008, at Narmada Hall, Courtyard By Marriott Hotel, Anna Salai, Chennai. The meeting was attended by eminent dignitaries from the academic, the defence, the administrative as well as the business community of Chennai. The meeting was primarily held to outline a future plan for the Chennai Chapter of the Foundation. The Foundation was represented by Admiral P.J. Jacob (Chairman, Global India Foundation), Prof. Omprakash Mishra (Member Secretary, Global India Foundation), Mr. Khalid Mehkri (Member, Executive Council, Global India Foundation) and Dr. Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay (Fellow, Global India Foundation). The meeting was hosted by Doshi Housing Ltd. and Mr. P. J. George, an eminent advocate from Chennai. Detailed Report Visit by Ambassador Salman Haider to GIF Ambassador Salman Haider, former Foreign Secretary to the Government of India and Executive Council Member of Global India Foundation visited the Foundation premises on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. He had an extensive interaction with the Fellows on various areas of research. He spoke on the importance of India’s changing relations with her neighbouring states, the political dynamics of the newly emerging democratic Bhutan as well as on India’s Look East Policy. The Fellows informed him about their academic endeavours as well as the various ventures that the Foundation wishes to embark upon in the near future. Ambassador Haider provided valuable inputs on research methodology and encouraged the Fellows to delve deeper into issues that are of contemporary and future relevance. Detailed Report Felicitation of Prof. Amitabh Mattoo A felicitation function to honour Prof. Amitabh Mattoo on being conferred Padmashree by the Government of India was organised by the Foundation on Friday May 9, 2008 at the India International Centre, New Delhi. Prof. Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu is a founding member of Global India Foundation. His Excellency M. H. Ansari, Hon'ble Vice President of India graced the occasion along with a large number of academics, representatives from the media and members of the policy community in New Delhi. Seminar on “Canada-India Relations in the New Millennium” Fellows from Global India Foundation were invited to attend a two day seminar on “Canada-India Relations in the New Millennium”, organized by the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute on the 23rd and 24th April, 2008 in New Delhi. The seminar explored a host of issues on Indo-Canadian bilateral relations ranging from strategic relations, science and technology cooperation, trade and economic relations to such novel issues as Diaspora studies and managing diversity between the two nations. The seminar was formally inaugurated by Mr. Kenneth McCartney, the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, and the presidential remarks were addressed by Prof. O.P. Mishra, Pro Vice Chancellor, IGNOU and Member Secretary, Global India Foundation. Dr. Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay and Ms. Sayantani Sen, Fellows, Global India Foundation, presented papers in the seminar and participated in its deliberations. Dr. Bandyopadhyay presented a paper on “The Indo-Canadian Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism in the New Millennium,” while Ms. Sen presented a paper on “Track-2 Opportunities in India and Canada Diplomatic Relations.” International Conference on India and Eurasia Global India Foundation collaborated with The India-Central Asia Foundation (ICAF), New Delhi, and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to organise an International Conference ‘Regional Cooperation as a Development Tool in Eurasia’ between March 27-29, 2008 in New Delhi. The Conference explored a host of issues ranging from regional cooperation, energy security, political and economic developments and non-traditional threats in the region. The Conference was formally inaugurated on March 27, 2008 with opening remarks by Shri I. K. Gujral, former Prime Minister, India. The Foundation was represented by Vice-Admiral P. J. Jacob, Chairman, Global India Foundation, Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University and Member, Executive Council, Global India Foundation. Ms. Sayantani Sen, Ms. Cauvery Ganapathy, Ms. Sayantani Sen Mazumdar and Ms. Oindrila Roy, Fellows, Global India Foundation participated in the deliberations of the Conference. MOU between GIF and IGNOU A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Global India Foundation and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi on March 7, 2008 by Mr.K.Laxman, Registrar (Admn.), IGNOU and Vice Admiral P J Jacob (Retd), Chairman, Global India Foundation. Detailed Report Felicitation of Shri Pranab Mukherjee Members of the Executive Council, Staff and Associates of Global India Foundation organized a function to felicitate Shri. Pranab Mukherjee, Leader of the Lok Sabha & Minister of External Affairs, Govt. of India, on being conferred Padma Vibhushan at 6 p.m. on Saturday, 8 March 2008, at Kotah House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110011. Detailed Report IGNOU Delegation at GIF Keeping with the Foundation’s objective to promote the spread of knowledge and encourage pertinent debate and deliberation, the 5th of October saw us hosting an academic team from Indira Gandhi National Open University [IGNOU] --- the veritable pioneer institution of mass education in India. The team from IGNOU was headed by Prof. Bashir Ahmed Khan [ Pro-Vice Chancellor, IGNOU] and comprised Prof. Darvesh Gopal [ Professor of Political Science, IGNOU ] and Prof. B.S.Saraswat [ Director, Academic Co-ordination Division, IGNOU], while apart from the Fellows, GIF was represented by Admiral P.J.Jacob [Chairman], Dr.Sanjukta Bhattacharya and Dr.Anindyo Jyoti Majumdar, [ Executive Council Members, GIF]. Prof. Samir K.Das [University of Calcutta] also actively participated in the ensuing discussion.
From left to right: Admiral P.J.Jacob , Prof. Bashir Ahmed Khan , Prof. Darvesh Gopal , Prof. B.S.Saraswat The purpose of the interaction was to locate the plausible nodal points upon which a collaborative venture could be entered into between GIF and IGNOU. Actively engaging the youth in the process of meaningful debate, knowledge exchange, research in trans-national and inter-disciplinary studies, area studies, focus on the upcoming School of International Relations and Strategic Studies at IGNOU, among others, were the areas singled out for beneficial cooperation between the two. National Seminar on SAARC Global India Foundation collaborated with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, RIS, New Delhi and FICCI in organising a National Seminar on SAARC: Accelerating Cooperation Through Connectivity on 1-2 September 2007 in Park Hotel, Kolkata. The Seminar explored the challenges encountered by the regional efforts to enhance cooperation in South Asia. The Seminar provided a forum for multifarious interactions which would facilitate framing pragmatic recommendations for the consideration of the Government.The Inaugural Session featured a Keynote Address by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India and a speech by Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of West Bengal. Dr. Arjun Sengupta, Member of Parliament chaired the Inaugural Session which also featured Mr. Arif S Khan, Additional Secretary, Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, and Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary, Global India Foundation and Pro Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University. Detailed Report Report on Delhi Conference on Mission 2007 Recently, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) organised a conference on ICT based developments in rural India in collaboration with Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy. Ms. Sudhiti Naskar and Ms. Amrita Chowdhury, Fellows, Global India Foundation, Kolkata, were invited to participate in the deliberations. Detailed Report Workshop on “Conflict Analysis and Resolution” The Foundation organised a workshop on “Conflict Analysis and Resolution” from 1100 to 1630 hrs in collaboration with the Public Affairs Office of the U. S. Consulate General in Kolkata, on August 6, 2007. Mr. Seth Cohen, Independent Practitioner of Facilitation, Mediation and Training Services, Solutionsbyseth, New Mexico, U. S. A. was the key resource person. The Member Secretary, Global India Foundation, and Pro Vice Chancellor , Indira Gandhi National Open University, Prof. Omprakash Mishra, and Professor of Political Science, Calcutta University, Dr. Samir Kumar Das introduced the subject before the commencement of the workshop. Visit by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India Mr. Amit Dasgupta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India visited the Global India Foundation on 16th July, 2007 and interacted with two of the GIF Executive Council members - Dr. Sanjukta Bhattacharya and Dr. A.J. Majumdar along with the Fellows. The interactions revolved around the initial discussions on the forthcoming SAARC Conference to be jointly organised by the MEA and GIF in Kolkata. Developing a Chennai Chapter of GIF In pursuit of GIF’s well articulated endeavour to broaden its scope and horizon, a meeting was held in Chennai on the 9th of July, 2007, to explore the possibility of having a Chennai Chapter. The Foundation was represented by Admiral P. J. Jacob [Chairperson], Prof. O. P. Mishra [Member-Secretary] and Cauvery Ganapathy [Research Fellow].The objective was to adequately express GIF’s stand pertaining to the broadening of scope and to seek like-minded and public spirited individuals who could take on the operational responsibilities in Chennai. Mr. Ramesh Kymal [Managing-Director, Vestas, India], Mr. P. J. George [Advocate], Prof. Suryanarayanan [Madras University], Mr.Venu Prasad [Entrepreneur], Mr. Amit Varma [IPS], Mr. K. V. Ramana Shetty [Entrepreneur] attended the meeting. An introduction to GIF’s purpose and the ongoing projects at the Foundation was made as a precursor to the discussion. While Admiral Jacob and Prof. Mishra introduced the essence and objectives of the Foundation, Cauvery Ganapathy briefed the gathering on the research projects currently being dealt with. The modalities of establishing a Chennai Chapter were discussed once it became clear that all those gathered had a genuine interest in contributing to the causes espoused by GIF. Significantly, so pronounced was the interest that this first meeting itself found numerous suggestions pertaining to even the issue areas to be dealt with. With assured co-operation from all present, Mr. Ramesh Kymal was designated as the convener of the proposed chapter. A time frame of two months was decided upon to draw out the details of the actual establishment with a commitment from all involved. Visit by Delegates to GIF Office A delegation comprising Mr. M Rajaretnam, Executive Director Asian Dialogue Society (ADS), Singapore and Director, International Centre, Goa, Ms. Shahrbanou Tajbakhsh, Director, centre Detudes Internationals Sur La Paix Et La Resolution Des Conflicts, Mr. Masato Seko, Programme Officer, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Ms. Sonia Xavier, Research Assistant, ADS Human Security Project, International Centre, Goa along with Mr. Snehashis Sur of the Centre for Media Research and Development Studies visited the Foundation on May 17, 2007 to discuss modalities of collaboration between the ADS and Global India Foundation (GIF). (A) (A)From left to right: Ms. Shahbanou Tadjbakhsh, Mr. M. Rajaretnam, Prof. Sanjukta Bhattacharya, Amb. Arundhati Ghose (B) From left to right: Sonia Xavier, Ms. Shahbanou Tadjbakhsh, Mr. M. Rajaretnam The ensuing discussion was chaired by Ambassador Arundhuti Ghose, Member, Executive Council, GIF and attended by Dr. Sanjukta Bhattacharya and Dr. Anindyojyoti Mazumder, Members, Executive Council, GIF alongside the fellows of the Foundation. The interactions centered around discussions on the concept of ‘Human Security’ and the various dimensions of the same, while elucidating its association with human dignity, development of the individual and national security. Publication of GIF The Foundation has published the Keynote Address of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India on India and the Global Balance of Power, delivered on the occasion of the national launch of the Foundation on 16 January 2007 in New Delhi. This publication forms a part of the Public Lecture Series Programme of the Foundation. It is a matter of deep satisfaction for the Members, Fellows, Staff and Associates of the Foundation that inaugural issue features an important policy speech by Shri Mukherjee. Presentation on Digital Divide Fellows of the Foundation have presented papers dealing with various ongoing programmes and projects in the Institute’s premises in March- April 2007. The Third Round of internal presentations commenced on 7 May 2007 with a presentation by Ms Sudhiti Naskar on Digital Divide and Social Inclusion on 9 May 2007. Other presentations in May included Catastrophic Terrorism: the New Threat by Dr. Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay on 15 May and Track Two and Conflict Resolution by Sayantani Sen and Madhavi Bhasin on 23 May 2007. The Country Report programme of the Foundation commences on 30 May 2007 with a presentation on Bhutan by Dr. Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay. Interaction with Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Hon'ble External Affairs Minister, Govt. of India, with GIF Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the External Affairs Minister met the Members of the Executive Council and Fellows of the Foundation and shared his perspective on some of the important foreign policy challenges facing the country. The meeting, lasting for more than 90 minutes, took place in the conference hall of the CSIR on 2 May 2007 in Kolkata. The Members appraised the Minister about the ongoing research work and programmes of the Foundation and offered collaboration in mutually beneficial projects.
Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Admiral P.J.Jacob, Chairman GIF, Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary, GIF and Amb. Arundhati Ghose, Member, Executive Council, GIF Workshop on History of Global Climate Change The Foundation extended its collaboration to the Department of History, Jadavpur University for an International Workshop on History of Global Climate Change: Water, Ecology, De-forestation, Agriculture, Politics and the Management of Nature on March 22, 2007 at the UGC-DSA Seminar Hall, PG Arts Building, Ground Floor, Jadavpur University. Prof. S.K Sanyal, Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University inaugurated the Workshop, which was chaired by Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary GIF. The Programme was coordinated by Prof. Ranjan Chakrabarti, Coordinator UGC Special Assistance Program, Department of History, Jadavpur University.
Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary, GIF is chairing the occasion.With him Prof. Amit Bhattacharya, (left) HoD. History, Jadavpur University and Prof. S.K. Sanyal, VC, Jadavpur University (right) and Prof. Ranjan Chakraborty, Dept. of History, Jadavpur University (extreme right). Meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Govt. of India A delegation of GIF members comprising Admiral Jacob, Mr. Pathak, Prof. Mishra, Prof. Pillai, Ambassador Haidar, Mr. Mehkri and Mr. Naidu called on Mr. Shivshankar Menon, Foreign Secretary, Government of India on March 16, 2007. A broad range of issues and themes were discussed in this hour long meeting. GIF extended its support and collaboration in mutually rewarding projects and programmes to the Ministry. Mr. Menon was appreciative of the objectives and vision of the Foundation and accepted the invitation of the Foundation to address a few programmes to be organised by the Foundation in different cities in the country. Mr. Dasgupta, Joint Secretary, MEA was present in the meeting. Seminar on Refugees and Regional Security in South Asia Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary, was invited to present a paper on Refugees and Regional Security in South Asia in an international seminar on Economic Cooperation for Security and Development in South Asia, organised by Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in collaboration with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, New Delhi, 16-17 March 2007. Canada-India Round Table Admiral P J Jacob, Chairman, Global India Foundation attended the Canada-India Round Table ‘Towards Education Linkages – Education Trade and Technology’, organised by the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) on March 14, 2007 at Claridge’s Hotel, New Delhi. The round table sought to incubate mutually beneficial partnerships between institutions in both the countries in the field of higher education and contribute to a strategic road-map for evolving stronger bi-national linkages in trade and technology. While trade and technology constitute two key drivers of the current relationship, education can play a major role in building a solid base for trade and technology relationships. Education linkages and partnerships can be a means for developing strong and innovative academic and research programmes that are capable of generating knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of our times. Seminar on Emerging India The Global India Foundation and the National Council of Education, Bengal organised a programme on Emerging India on the occasion of the 101st Foundation Day of NCE Bengal on 12 March 2007 in Indumati Auditorium, Jadavpur. The Chief Guest of the programme, Mr. Shekhar Dutt, Defence Secretary, Government of India delivered a Special Address on “Emerging India: The Road Ahead and Pitfalls” on the occasion. Mr. Dutt maintained: “The twin themes of national resilience and international interdependence, that underpin the philosophy of your organisation, the Global India Foundation, should also be the guiding attributes of an India that is emergent. We need to weather the challenges, and make the best use of the enormous opportunities for development through quality education and increased awareness in an interdependent world”. Address by Mr Shekhar Dutt Other speakers included Admiral P J Jacob, Prof. J K Ray, Prof. Omprakash Mishra, and Prof. R P De of the National Council of Education, Bengal. The session was chaired by Prof. A N Basu, Chairman, West Bengal Pollution Control Board and also Member, Executive Council of the Foundation. Dr. A J Majumdar proposed a Vote of Thanks. A large number of invitees from various walks of life attended the programme, an attestation to the significance of the subject matter. Mr. Dutt also interacted with the invitees. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies extended their cooperation and support in organising the programme. National Seminar on Peace in Dialogue Prof.
Omprakash Mishra, Member Secretary, Global India Foundation,
Dr Tania Dass and Ms Madhavi Bhasin, Fellows, Global India
Foundation, were invited to attend a National seminar on PEACE
IN DIALOGUE: Reflections on North-East India organised by
the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT, Guwahati
in collaboration with ICSSR (North Eastern Region Centre),
sponsored by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
(DoNER), GOI, New Delhi on February 1-2, 2007. Prof. Mishra
delivered a Special Address at the inaugural session. Dr Dass
and Ms Bhasin presented a paper on Structuring Negotiations
for Durable Peace.Paper National Launch The national launch of the Foundation was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) at the Durbar Hall of the Taj Palace Hotel, Delhi, on 16 January 2007. To mark the launch, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, delivered a Keynote address on India and the Global Balance of Power before a distinguished gathering of diplomats, officials, industry leaders, members of the policy community and public life and national and international media. The programme opened with the Welcome Address by Mr. Arif S Khan, Additional Secretary, Public Diplomacy, Ministry of External Affairs. This was followed by a speech by General (Retd.) S. S. Mehta, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry, highlighting the economic potential of India. Shri Sunil Kant Munjal, past President, CII, spoke on the potential role of commerce and industry in shaping the global emergence of India. (A) (A) Mr. D.C. Pathak, Vice Chairman, GIF (left) with General (Rtd.) S.S. Mehta, Director General, CII., (B) Admiral P.J.Jacob, Chairman GIF (left) with Mr. S.K. Munjal, Past President, CII The objectives and action-plan of GIF were elaborated in the Address by Vice- Admiral (Retd.) P.J. Jacob, Chairman of the Foundation. He referred to GIF as a platform for “analysis and worthy choices in public policy relevant to India. An independent, non-partisan initiative of Indian citizens committed in strengthening of the national resilience of our motherland, consistent with the promotion of interdependence in international affairs.” In providing a roadmap of the GIF activities, Admiral Jacob discussed several mechanisms which included conducting analytical research, facilitating and providing a platform for debate, informal bridge-building among diverse views, all with the aim of suggesting relevant policy measures. He concluded by saying that the Foundation intends to establish its own thematic working groups on certain priority issues of comprehensive security and economic well being.
Mr. Pranab Mukherjee addressing the launch. A section of guests at the National launch of the Foundation(Right) Mr. Pranab Mukerjee began his Keynote address by highlighting the objectives of the Global India Foundation and asserting that inputs from such initiatives would complement official efforts. The process of decolonisation, popularity of economic integration, emerging tensions between the North and South were highlighted as some of the prominent trends of contemporary international politics. The role, composition and objectives of global institutions are being re-defined. The traditional challenges to global security are being complemented by emerging concerns of failed states, terrorism, religious extremism and weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Mukherjee asserted that the conventional thrust areas of India’s foreign policy require refinement in the context of current international developments.While India continues to revamp its neighbourhood linkages with South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia, she has come to play a vital role in the contributing to and managing the global “balance of interests”. In the words of the Minister, “The choices India makes today have the potential to change outcomes on issues ranging from global environment to multiple balances.” In emphasising that the “new optimism about India’s future, within the nation and the wider world, is not necessarily an irrational exuberance”, the Mr. Mukherjee discussed the sources of India’s economic, technological and political strength. He concluded by stating that India stands fully prepared to shoulder its due responsibilities in the emerging international order. The programme concluded with the formal Vote of Thanks by Shri Dinesh C. Pathak, Vice Chairman of the Foundation. On behalf of the Foundation, Shri Pathak extended sincere gratitude to Mr. Pranab Mukherjee for gracing the occasion. He also appreciated the participation of Air Chief Marshall S P Tyagi, Admiral Shireesh Mehta, Chief of Naval Staff, Ambassador M K Rasgotra, Chairman, National Security Advisory Board and a large number of diplomats and officials in the programme. Shri Munjal, Past President of CII and Lt. Gen. S.S. Mehta, Director General of the CII were specially thanked for their collaboration. The event was followed by a reception. The event received extensive coverage in the national print and electronic media. The event continues to serve as a source of inspiration for the Foundation and its members in furthering the objectives of the Foundation. Address by Shri Pranab Mukherjee Indian Diaspora-Interactive Session The Foundation organised an interactive session on Indian Diaspora in the institute’s premises on 13 January 2007. Mr. Selva Raju Sundaram, Chairman, Global Organization of Peoples of Indian Origin (GOPIO) was the Chief Guest. Other speakers included Prof. Prem Poddar, University of Aarhus, Denmark and Prof. Ajay K Dubey from Jawaharlal Nehru University. The session involved a discussion on myriad aspects and issue areas relevant to the situation of the Indian Diaspora and the possible research themes to be undertaken by the Foundation. National Seminar on India's Foreign Policy Admiral
P J Jacob, Chairman, Shri Dinesh Chandra Pathak, Vice Chairman,
Ambassador Arundhati Ghosh, Member, Executive Council of the
Foundation took part in a national seminar on India’s
Foreign Policy: Changes and Challenges, organised by Maulana
Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies on 27 October 2006.
The programme was chaired by Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Member
Secretary of the Foundation. Prof. J K Ray, Chairman, Maulana
Azad Institute and Mr. Sunil Lal, Joint Secretary, Ministry
of External Affairs, Government of India were the other distinguished
speakers in the seminar held at Oberoi Grand. Later, Members
attended a reception organised by Maulana Azad Institute at
the Calcutta Punjab Club together with a large number of invitees
from academia, media, government, research institutes etc. First Meeting of Executive Council of GIF The idea and philosophy of Global India Foundation was conceived in early 2006 and after extensive country wide consultation, the Foundation was instituted in October 2006 in Kolkata. The first meeting of the Executive Council of the Foundation took place at Hotel Oberoi Grand, Kolkata in October 2006. |
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