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The University of Minnesota established an India Center Initiative in 2007 to explore the promotion and development of relationships with India and South Asia through the creation of an India Center.
Initiated by legislation co-authored by Representative Eric Paulsen and Senator Satveer Chaudhary, the India Center Initiative hopes to serve as a builder of bridges, connecting the University and the state of Minnesota with various academic, intellectual, cultural, and business interests in South Asia (full text of the bill). The legislation that led to the initiative reflects growing interest in India and South Asia.
In November 2007, an Exploratory Committee of the initiative was formed consisting of faculty and community members from the University. The committee established a consultative structure with participants from the University, the community, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations to help shape the initial direction of the Initiative.
The Exploratory Committee created three separate subcommittee initiatives—academic, business, and community. Each of the subcommittees will explore short-and long-term projects that would build on current efforts but also expand the reach of these efforts.
A report on the initial activities of the initiative was submitted in 2008 to the Minnesota legislature.