By IANS,
Bali : The contribution of India’s higher education system in the academic and intellectual growth of Indonesia was highlighted at the first-ever gathering of alumni of Indian universities and academicians, that included senior government officials, and prominent representatives of Balinese art and culture here.
During the event held Monday by the Consulate General of India in Bali, in collaboration with the Institut Hindu Dharma Negeri (IHDN) Denpasar, Indian Ambassador Gurjit Singh highlighted the series of initiatives for enhancing educational cooperation with Indonesian academic community and students.
He elaborated on a number of scholarship schemes offered by the Indian government for the Indonesian students and lecturers to pursue higher education in Indian universities, said a press release.
He said that over 120 scholarships are offered annually to Indonesia.
The alumni spoke warmly of their learning experiences in India and elaborated on their immense intellectual growth and exposure gained in India during the course of their study. A large number of the alumni are currently working as professors, lecturers, heads of provincial government departments and in prominent art and culture institutions as well as in tourism industry.
Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, head of the Bali Chapter of Hotels & Restaurants Association of Indonesia and a prominent member of the royal family of Ubud, as well as the former Regent of Gianyar province, was the chief guest.
The event was held with the support of the Institut Hindu Dharma Negeri Denpasar, whose Rector, I Made Titib, himself is an eminent alumni of Indian educational system.
IHDN Denpasar is the largest and a premier state institution under the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia imparting education on Hindu religion, philosophy, theology and social and culture sciences.