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The UK and India’s rich and varied shared past has left a legacy of deep and common bonds – historical, social, economic and cultural. These bonds were explored and renewed at a showcase event held at the residence of British High Commissioner to India Sir James Bevan, on Tuesday 25th September 2012.
Jalsa, an event showcasing UK-India arts and humanities research funded by the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) was organised through AHRC’s representative office Research Councils UK (RCUK) India.
Jalsabrought together key research funding agencies and researchers in the arts and humanities from both the UK and India to develop further links and explore the opportunities for future collaborative research.
AHRC funded research projects showcased at the event ranged from studies on the formation and transmission of Sikhism in Britain, the history of the Indian presence in Britain, the Southall story, musical enculturation and the earliest English voyages to India.
These and other AHRC funded UK-India research are highlighted in a new publication ‘The UK and India- A Partnership for Research’ which was launched at the event and is available for download here.
Research has a key role to play in enabling our two countries to forge a new and lasting relationship based on friendship, understanding, mutual respect and common interests. The AHRC has been working closely with Research Councils UK (RCUK) India to build partnerships between UK and Indian research organisations with the aim of increasing international research opportunities between the two countries.
Professor Rick Rylance, Chief Executive of the AHRC commented, “It’s often said that modern research is global; it should also be said that its future is collaborative. Researchers in India and the UK working together have so much to learn from each other in understanding the shared parts of our history and culture and realising their potential. I look forward to building on the excellent projects featured here, cementing relationships and developing joint endeavours”.
Sir James Bevan KCMG, British High Commissioner in India commented, “Research is quickly becoming the cornerstone of many blossoming UK-India partnerships. Our governments have jointly committed more than £90 million to research collaborations in the last 3 years. It is important that we recognise the potential of the arts and humanities in this growing endeavour. As this booklet demonstrates, some of the best minds from our great universities, cultural organisations and creative sectors have worked together for many years. These collaborations have produced – and will continue to produce – new ideas, reflections and thought-provoking information that can only serve to benefit both countries.”
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Alexandra Saxon
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444474 or email: Alexandra Saxon
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funds world-class, independent researchers in a wide range of subjects: ancient history, modern dance, archaeology, digital content, philosophy, English literature, design, the creative and performing arts, and much more. This financial year the AHRC will spend approximately £98m to fund research and postgraduate training in collaboration with a number of partners. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK. For further information on the AHRC, please go to: www.ahrc.ac.uk
RCUK India was established in 2008 with an aim to bring about a step change in research partnerships between the two countries and make it easier for the best researchers in the UK and India to develop high-quality, high impact research partnerships.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are: