| In recent years, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has experienced a tremendous increase in enrollments by undergraduate students of Indian ancestry. Recent estimates set the number of such students at close to a thousand; and the numbers are still increasing. Naturally, Indian-American students would like to take courses dealing with their own heritage and traditions; but as they soon come to realize, the number of available courses is too limited to meet the demand. |
| In order to increase teaching on India at UIUC, the Center for South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies and the Development Office of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have initiated a fund drive, with support by the Indian Student Association and the Indian Cultural Society of Urbana-Champaign. The goal is to establish an India Studies fund that will make it possible to appoint faculty for a semester or two to teach courses that will complement and enrich the regular course offerings on India. Appointments will rotate between different departments, making it possible for courses to be offered in a variety of different subject areas. In this way, students will be able to take courses on up to eight different aspects of Indian history, culture, and civilization during their stay at UIUC. |
| Beyond its obvious benefits to students of Indian ancestry, establishment of an India Studies fund will have several other positive effects. It will make it possible for the University of Illinois to provide better background and training for students planning on careers in U. S. businesses with interests in India. It will improve the University's ability to provide leadership in advising Illinois and other business, government, and educational institutions on matters relating to India. And last, but by no means least, it will help increase awareness of India both within the University and outside. |
| Although initial contributions and pledges to the fund, received from members of the local Indian-American community, are very encouraging, we have a long way to go, and we ask for your commitment to our goal. Additional contributions are urgently needed and may be made to: University of Illinois Foundation/India Studies Fund, LAS Development, 112 English Building, 608 S. Wright Street, Urbana IL 61801. |
| For further details on the India Studies initiative contact: Professor Marilyn L. Booth , Director, Center for South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, 221 International Studies Building, 910 S. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL 61820; Tel. 217-244-7331, Fax 217-265-6399. |