Enhancing the appeal of Indian studies in Vietnam

Strengthening cooperation in training and research in Indian studies.
The university was honored to welcome His Excellency Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Vietnam, for a visit and working session. In welcoming the Ambassador, Vice Rector Dang Thi Thu Huong affirmed the effective cooperative relationship between the university and relevant Indian agencies in developing training and research in Indian studies in Vietnam. This academic cooperation has brought many benefits to faculty members and scholarship programs for students.

As part of the series of activities celebrating 30 years of development of Indian Studies in Vietnam, the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, organized a seminar on the theme: “Indian Studies in Vietnam - Connecting Theory and Practice”, and inaugurated the exhibition “Some Achievements in Indian Studies Research in Vietnam” on the university campus.
The exhibition not only opens up a space for displaying scientific publications but also celebrates a vibrant intellectual journey spanning more than three decades of Indian studies in Vietnam.
Within that academic landscape, the Department of Indian Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has emerged as a vital pillar. Generations of dedicated leaders, such as Professor Luong Ninh, Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha, Dr. Phung Thi Thao, and many generations of lecturers from the Faculty of Oriental Studies, have transformed this department from a knowledge-receiving institution to a global theoretical dialogue, making the University of Social Sciences and Humanities a leading center for Indian studies in the region.
Both sides emphasized that the relationship between Vietnam and India is a long-standing friendship, spanning over two millennia, from ancient trade and religious exchanges to the current Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Promoting cooperation in training and research in Indian studies in Vietnam will contribute to further strengthening the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition "Some Achievements in Indian Studies in Vietnam" at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Photo: Thuy Dzung

Increasing the appeal of Indian Studies as a major in Vietnam.
At the seminar "Indigen Studies in Vietnam - Connecting Theory and Practice," scientists stated that the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, with its history of over 30 years of formation and development, has successfully trained many generations of experts in various fields.
However, in reality, Indian studies currently attracts relatively few students. India is not only a profound ancient civilization but also a global economic powerhouse and a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of Vietnam. The modest number of students pursuing this major does not accurately reflect the enormous potential of the Vietnam-India relationship.        

  Speakers exchange views at the panel discussion. Photo: Hanh Quynh

The seminar heard strategic visions from the Ambassador as well as practical perspectives from leading Indian corporations in Vietnam such as TATA Coffee, Aptech, and Jetking, aimed at addressing the "recruitment and employment challenges" of Indian Studies majors in Vietnam. The exchanges and discussions helped students understand the labor market's needs for human resources within the Vietnam-India trade corridor and the specific skills that Indian businesses are seeking. By demonstrating the career viability of this major, experts emphasized the goal of making Indian Studies a more attractive and competitive option for future generations of students.
Generations of Vietnamese and Indian students serve as a crucial bridge for the increasingly strong cooperative relationship between the two countries. The series of exhibitions and seminars are practical activities aimed at bringing the image of India, its culture, and its people closer to young Vietnamese people.
Here are some images from the series of exhibitions and seminars on Indian studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities: