Classes

Since we have been in Delhi we have had a number of lectures with topics ranging from linguistic history to Indo-US relations. All our classes are held at the scenic Institute of Advanced Studies which is part of Jawaharlal Nehru University -- a premier national university. Each of the presenters have been knowledgeable of their unique topics and have had intense intellectual discussions with us. The sessions are informative and include massive amounts of information.  They have been intensely educational.

            The faculty at JNU for the past week has been trying to give us American students a complete picture of where India has been, where it is now, and where it is going. The case for India is never black and white in any subject but rather a plethora of many colors that is perplexing to common western thought. The presentations have showed how through thousands of years of interactions the different peoples and religions of India have been able to coexist with each other.

            From the lectures we have been able to more clearly understand the uniqueness and diversity of India in comparison to other countries all around the world. We have also learned that India cannot be fairly contrasted to any other nations because of the immense cultural differences and individuality this country has.

            So, as former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan once eloquently noted, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress in every family and every society.” While education is only on the brink of accelerating here in New Delhi, a simple progress is being maintained and hope for an even better emergence of a country lies in the hearts of every citizen.

~ Caleb F, Mark D