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Manipal : “Relations between India and European Union (EU)can be revived with the latter recognizing India as an equal partner based on knowledge and understanding of each other,” said former ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee while inaugurating the two-day international conference on “India-EU Engagements:A Decade in Reflection and Way Forward.”. The conference is being held to mark 10 years of European studies in Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education here on Friday.

The former Ambassador to the Netherlands said recognizing EU as a post-modern political entity by India and understanding its functioning could enhance cooperation just as EU should understand the sensitivity of the Asian societies while dealing with India.“Academic institutes could play an important role in enhancing this understanding,” she added.

Ambassador of European Union to India, Ugo Astuto sent a congratulatory note to MAHEfor leading European Studies in India and making its mark on European higher education map. Wishing success on the registration of Association of European Studies in India (AESI), he hoped that the Association would contribute to India-EU relations through capacity building and academic expertise in higher education.

In his inaugural address, Dr H Vinod Bhat, the Vice Chancellor of MAHE, recalled the opportunity that translated to a vision for excellence through MCES and stressed on the potential to achieve greater heights in the next ten years. Being the visionary behind MCES, he underscored the collateral benefits that the Centre brought in MAHE on strengthening its base in humanities and social sciences and also how Manipal Universal Press (MUP) was carved out with the EU funding to publish Indian philosophy translations.

Professor Helmut Brand, Director of Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH) Manipal, who was the Guest of Honour expressed his gratitude to the Centre for the support and resources that helped in laying the foundation for the school of Public Health.

Professor Neeta Inamdar, the Head of MCES and the Convenor of the conference, in her welcome address reflected on the journey of ten years with the European Studies becoming a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence and facilitating around hundred multilateral academic mobility. She reminisced on the difficulties and fond memories, while expressing gratitude to her colleagues, the University and Dr Bhat for the constant support and guidance.