Thai varsity, UoM come closer for knowledge exchange

If all goes well, the wide vista of knowledge at the University of Mysore will be taken a notch high with Chulalongkorn University of Thailand eager to forge a bond with the indigenous university.

As a first step, a five-member delegation from Chula, as Chulalongkorn University is popularly known as among Thais, led by Chula’s Vice-President Kalaya Tingsabadh interacted with Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore K S Rangappa on Thursday.

Kalaya told media that the varsity intends to go for exchange of students and faculty, besides organising joint student workshops. Science is an area the varsity is looking forward to gain further knowledge, with better human relations under the name of ‘people to people’. Research students will also have an opportunity to widen their horizon in India.

Reacting to a query, Kalaya said, “Tourism has evolved as a significant part of Thailand with Indian tourist population alone accounting for 1.5 million per annum, while 95,000 Thais, on an average, visit India every year’. Kalaya said, to conserve the rich heritage and culture of the country, Chula offers a course in management of culture.

Gateway

K S Rangappa said, the ongoing deliberation, since February, is expected to enhance the understanding of Thai society about India and will be the gateway for the Mysore varsity to connect with the network of 30 universities under Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Rangappa informed the delegates about plans to introduce PG course in tourism.
The delegates, who are in the city for the past three days, took stock of the facilities and programmes available in the university, said Rangappa, who is expected to visit Chula shortly, before cementing the ties.

Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, Soonthorn Chalyindeepum, Associate Professor and Dean of Faculty in Economics, Chula, Chayadom Sabhsasri, Associate Professor and Senior Advisor, Global Studies, Chula, Charit Tingsabadh and Director of Indian Studies Center, Chula, Surat Horachaikulis were present.