Guwahati : Gauhati University and Thailand explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in higher education, research, information technology, culture, training, internships and academic exchange during an interaction with a senior Thai delegation led by H.E. Mrs Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General, Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
The delegation included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and representatives of Thai universities. The interaction sought to build stronger institutional links between universities in India and Thailand and create greater opportunities for students, teachers and researchers.
Welcoming the delegation, Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural and linguistic links between Thailand, India and the North-East region.
He said these historical connections could provide a strong foundation for expanding contemporary academic and institutional 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,” Prof. Mahanta said.
He particularly referred to the historical and linguistic links between the Thai language and the ancient Tai-Ahom language, and highlighted Gauhati University’s initiatives to promote and preserve these connections.
“Gauhati University’s initiatives to promote and preserve these connections can play an important role in further strengthening this relationship,” he said.
Prof. Mahanta also noted Thailand’s close engagement with India through regional and multilateral platforms, including ASEAN, BIMSTEC, the East Asia Summit, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and IORA. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would gain further momentum in the coming years.
Speaking at the programme, H.E. Mrs Urasa Mongkolnavin highlighted the importance of the Thailand-India strategic partnership and the scope for expanding engagement in education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchange.
“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 pointed to the potential for greater collaboration in information technology and higher education with Indian institutions, including Gauhati University.
The discussions covered a range of possible initiatives, including student exchange programmes, collaboration among teachers and researchers, training and internship opportunities, and joint programmes in information technology and higher education. Participants also discussed the importance of developing sustained institutional links 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 members of the University community.
The interaction marked a step towards expanding academic and research engagement between Gauhati University and institutions in Thailand, while providing an opportunity to build on the deep historical, cultural and linguistic connections between India and Thailand.