Oct. 6, 2011

VCU launches a $1 million campaign to create an India Chair in Democracy and Civil Society

Chair, first of its kind in the U.S., will reside in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

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By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University has launched a $1 million campaign to support a new India Chair in Democracy and Civil Society, the first of its kind in the U.S., to be housed in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

“Many other chairs in India studies focus on ancient history or economic growth in India,” said Niraj Verma, director of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. “But we’re taking a different approach which focuses on democracy in India.”

India has been a democracy since its independence in 1947.

The India Chair will lead the discussion about democracy by bringing experts on Indian art, culture, history, politics, economics, business relations and related areas to campus and the surrounding community.

Holders of the chair will visit VCU for short-term visits or longer stays of up to a year. The chair will host an array of speakers and events.

“The chair will attract a distinguished group of visitors to VCU,” Verma said. “They’ll represent leading Indian universities and organizations, corporate leaders and civil service representatives.”

A “Friends of the India Chair at VCU” campaign, chaired by Ranjit K. Sen, has been formed to help launch the effort.

In a letter to potential donors, Sen wrote “Our goal is to raise $1 million in endowment to create a lasting legacy with the only chair in the United States dedicated to the study of Indian democracy and civil society.”

The India Chair will be promoted during the Festival of India 2011, which takes place on Oct. 8 and 9 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The cultural fair, which regularly attracts around 20,000 people, will feature a booth celebrating the announcement of the school’s initiative as well as a free raffle for a basketball signed by the VCU Final Four Team. The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. both days.

To contribute to the chair or for more information, contact Jen Thompson at jlthompson2@vcu.edu.