Gauhati University and Thailand Target Academic and Research Expansion

Guwahati: Gauhati University officials met with a high-level Thai delegation in Guwahati to forge stronger ties in education, research, and information technology. The Thai team arrived led by H.E. Mrs Urasa Mongkolnavin, the Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta opened the session by pointing to deep historical roots. He focused on the linguistic links between the Thai language and the ancient Tai-Ahom dialect. These ties create a bedrock for future cooperation. Mahanta also noted how Thailand works with India through groups like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, the East Asia Summit, the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, and IORA.

Urasa Mongkolnavin echoed the need for growth. She highlighted the scope for expanding the Thailand-India strategic partnership, particularly in education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchange. Both sides discussed student exchange programs, shared research, and joint technology initiatives.

The meeting included Gauhati University Registrar Prof. Utpal Sharma and Academic Registrar Prof. Rajib Handique. Representatives from various Thai universities, university deans, department heads, and officials from the Centre for South East Asian Studies also attended. The event solidified a commitment to bridge gaps through better academic and institutional collaboration.