The First Meeting of the Advisory Council of MISARC, 21st November 2009, New Delhi, India

Present:

Shri. N Ram
Principal SAF Trustee & Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu     
                               
Prof.J.A.K. Tareen
Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University               
           
Prof. Sartaz Aziz
Vice Chancellor, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan                        

Prof. Priyankar Upadhyaya
Director, MCPR, BHU, Varanasi               

Prof. D Sambandhan
Dean, SSSIS, Pondicherry University           

Shri.S. Loganathan
Registrar, Pondicherry University               

Shri. S. Raghavan
Finance Officer, Pondicherry University           

Prof. N K Jha
Director, MISARC, Pondicherry University           
   
At the outset, the Vice-Chancellor & Chairman of the MISARC Advisory Council extended a warm welcome to the Members of the Council.  He expressed profound thanks to Ambassador Madanjeet Singh for most kindly committing SAF fund for establishing the institution of excellence, MISARC, at Pondicherry University and as well for his personal contribution for building the MISARC building. Prof Tareen also tanked the Ambassador for taking all the troubles in coming over to Puducherry and gracing the 19th Convocation ceremony with his presence.

Thereafter the following agenda items were taken up for discussion:


1. Report on MISARC Activities 
   
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Tareen explained the academic activities of MISARC since its inception. In this context, he highlighted the successful running of Maters’ programme in South Asian Studies, ongoing revision of the syllabus, procurement of valuable books on South Asian Studies, organizing of seminars and lecture series by the Institute, publication of International Journal of South Asian Studies and the beginning of the construction of MISARC building and so on.

He also discussed the envisaged activities of MISARC till April 2011 that included, introduction of M. Phil and PhD programmes in South Asian Studies, publication of three edited volumes on South Asia by the Institute Director without any financial commitment from the Institute or University, organizing of national and international conferences, increasing student’s strength under Madanjeet Singh Group scholarship to other relevant subjects, inviting scholars from SAARC countries for delivering lectures and so on. The members expressed satisfaction over the achievements of the MISARC within a very short span of time and expressed hope that MISARC under the leadership of Prof Tareen will achieve its ambitious tasks ahead. 


2. Approval of the Budget for 2009-10 & 2010-11 

In the light of the envisaged activities, the combined budget for the year 2009-10 and 2010-11 was then discussed. In order to furnish the new MISARC building and acquire basic infra structure commensurate with stature of MISARC, the Vice Chancellor urged some flexibility for this year. It was agreed that Pondicherry University will have the flexibility for one year (2010-11) for utilizing the annual SAF contribution of US $200,000.00 for scholarship related activities and essential infrastructure for MISARC. The Chief SAF Trustee, Mr. N Ram, informed that an amount of Rs3, 15, 360/- which has been incurred on Madanjeet Singh Group Scholarship Scheme by Pondicherry University before coming into force of the present MOU between the University and SAF for the establishment of MISARC (signed on June 20, 2009) will be reimbursed separately by SAF to the University. With these helpful notes, the Council recommended approval of the combined budget for the year 2009 -10 and 2010-11.  


3. First international seminar on the topic - “SAARC: exploring prospects of South Asian Union and a common currency Sasia” 

It was agreed that the proposed International Conference may be organized in October 2010 coinciding with the silver jubilee celebrations of Pondicherry University


4. Chief Guest for the inauguration of MISARC building in June / July 2010

It was unanimously resolved to invite Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Manmohan Singh to inaugurate the Conference and the MISARC building.


5. One Cultural meet of SAARC Countries 

The issue of organizing a cultural meet was discussed. Prof Priyankar Upadhyaya suggested that MISARC may organize a show, “Theater of Peace” involving artists SAARC countries. In view of the constraints of fund, the Finance Officer suggested that additional fund may be mobilized for this purpose through sponsorship and advertisement, etc.  After discussion it was resolved to organize the cultural meet during the year 2010-11 in a suitable manner, keeping in view the mobilization of funds for this purpose.


6. Submission for approval of audited statement of accounts 

The audited statement of accounts for the period 01.12.2008 to 30.04.2009 was placed and was approved.

The meeting came to an end with a vote of thanks by Vice Chancellor, Prof J A K Tareen, who expressed his deep gratitude to UNESCO Ambassador Dr Madanjeet Singh and Madam France for most kindly helping Pondicherry University with generous grant and assisting the University in its mission of promoting academic excellence, equity, expansion, as well as promotion of cooperation in the region. He also thanked the Chief SAF Trustee, Mr. N Ram and other members of the Advisory Council for extending valuable assistance in realization of the goals of MISARC.


Minutes of the 1^st Meeting of the Governing Council of Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (MISARC) held on 21.11.2009 at 04:30 pm in the SAF India Conference Room, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi

Present:

Shri. N Ram
Principal SAF Trustee & Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu     
                               
Prof.J.A.K. Tareen
Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University               
           
Shri.S. Loganathan
Registrar, Pondicherry University               

Prof. N K Jha
Director, MISARC, Pondicherry University           
   

At the outset, the Vice-Chancellor & Chairman of the MISARC Governing Council extended a warm welcome to the Members of the Council. 


1. To consider and approve the recommendations of the Advisory Council of MISARC, Pondicherry University

The Council carefully considered the recommendations of the Advisory Council (copy enclosed) and approved the same for implementation. 

The meeting came to a close with a vote of thanks by Vice Chancellor,    Prof J A K Tareen, who once again expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Dr Madanjeet Singh and Madam France for their kindness and generosity extended to Pondicherry University. He also thanked the Chief SAF Trustee, Mr. N Ram for his valuable guidance and help in realization of the goals of MISARC.

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