THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Oxford/London, January 25: Emphasising Jharkhand’s commitment to education, research, and global partnerships, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand visited All Souls College, University of Oxford, to strengthen long-term academic collaboration between the state and the University of Oxford, while paying tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, one of India’s foremost philosophers and statesmen.
The visit focused on expanding cooperation in higher education, research, and knowledge exchange aligned with the UK–India 2035 partnership.
Tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan at All Souls College
During the visit, the Chief Minister recalled Dr. Radhakrishnan’s long association with Oxford. In 1936, he was appointed Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford and elected a Fellow of All Souls College, a position he held until 1952. He later served as an Honorary Fellow of All Souls College from 1952 to 1975.
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The Chief Minister said Dr. Radhakrishnan was respected globally as a scholar who bridged Eastern and Western traditions of thought. He was knighted by King George V in 1931 for his contribution to education.
Discussions on Academic and Research Cooperation
The Jharkhand delegation was received by Alpa Shah, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Oxford, who welcomed and formally felicitated the delegation.
Discussions explored opportunities to deepen academic collaboration between Jharkhand and Oxford, including the introduction of doctoral scholarships for students from Jharkhand, faculty exchanges, and joint research initiatives. These initiatives would support the Jharkhand government in priority areas such as climate action, sustainability, tribal welfare, and heritage studies.
Visit to Radcliffe Camera
Following the meeting at All Souls College, the delegation visited the Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks. Designed by James Gibbs and completed in the 18th century, the Radcliffe Camera is a historic circular library and a key part of the Bodleian Library system.
The visit highlighted Oxford’s long-standing tradition of scholarship and the continuity of global intellectual exchange.
Focus on Education and Global Partnerships
The Chief Minister reiterated Jharkhand’s focus on investing in education, research, and international academic partnerships to support young scholars and strengthen knowledge institutions in the state.
The visit was seen as an important step towards building a sustained and structured partnership between Jharkhand and the University of Oxford, rooted in shared intellectual traditions and future-oriented academic engagement.
