The University of Houston and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) have extended their agreement, to introduce ICCR Chair of Indian Studies. This initiative focuses on conducting research into Tamil language, literature, and culture within the university.
Initially signed in 2023, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially renewed for another year during a ceremony held at March 2024, at the University of Houston. The renewal ceremony involved Chancellor and President Dr. Renu Khator, along with Consul General of India in Houston, DC Manjunath.
The primary objective of the Chair is to facilitate both teaching and researching endeavors related to Tamil language, literature, and culture at the University of Houston. This initiative was welcomed by leaders, as expressed in the Joint Declaration following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June 2023.
As per the terms of the MoU, Dr. T Vijayalakshmi, serving as the visiting chair professor from India, has been conducting a specialized course on Tamil Language and Culture at the University for the past two semesters.
Renu Khator, the first Indian-American to lead a major research university in the US since 2008, said that having knowledge and appreciation for diverse cultures is a hallmark of an enlightened and advanced society. This is why she is grateful that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations has collaborated with their visiting scholar program. It enhances their student’s understanding and provides them a competitive advantage internationally.
Manjunath said that the additional agreement will further enrich and strengthen the educational and knowledge exchange between India and the US. University of Houston becomes only the third American university to participate in the ICCR’s global Indian Chairs Abroad program, joining Rutgers University and the University of Pittsburgh in this endeavor.
The Tamil language, renowned as one of the oldest in the world, ranks among the top five languages spoken in the United States, where nearly 300,000 Tamil Americans reside. In June 2023, the ICCR and UH signed an MOU, paving the way for the commencement of Tamil Studies classes for the inaugural group of students at the University of Houston. These classes are led by Dr. Thangavel Vijayalakshmi, a visiting professor of Indian Studies at the UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
Dr. Vijayalakshmi said that if something holds genuine value, it can be embraced with enthusiasm by anyone. The Tamil course at UH has been warmly received by students, particularly American students keen on delving into the language, values, and culture of Tamil Nadu and India. UH has demonstrated a profound interest in establishing this course. It is expected that this endeavor will effectively fulfill its objectives, aligning with the aspirations of both India and America.ICCR