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US students arrive in LU to learn Urdu, Persian
American students arrive at the University of Lucknow for an eight-week course in Urdu and Persian, as part of a collaboration between Lucknow University and the American Institute of Indian Studies. The course aims to foster mutual academic collaboration and acquaint the students with Indian culture and ethos.
For Nikash Harapanahalli from the US state of Texas, the opportunity to learn Urdu in Lucknow is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “This city is one of the most dynamic, refined and sophisticated in India,” he said.
Nikash and nine other American students arrived at the University of Lucknow on Tuesday to learn Urdu and Persian during their eight-week stay in the city. Not only will the university hold classes for them twice a week, but it will also acquaint them with Indian culture and ethos.
These students already have a knowledge of these two languages and have come here to hone their skills and diction. This development is a result of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the University of Lucknow and the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS), New Delhi.
In line with this collaboration, Lucknow University is offering a short-term course spanning eight weeks to teach Urdu and Persian to American students, said Prof RP Singh, director, international collaboration and ISA.
Julia Norman from Los Angeles says they are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to study Urdu in Lucknow. Julia hopes to develop language skills here at LU. “This city’s rich culture and vibrant history makes this an ideal place,” she said.
Meredith Church from the University of Colorado says they are fascinated by the history and confluence of culture in Lucknow. “Honoured to have the opportunity to learn Urdu at such a special place,” she said.
Elena Deegan-Krause from Williams College says they are enjoying the opportunity to learn Urdu and its interesting etymology, especially in such a beautiful city with welcoming professors and hosts.
The MoU aims to foster mutual academic collaboration, particularly in the faculties of science, arts, social science, commerce and management, and studies in Indian civilization, Indian culture, languages, and social sciences, he added.
An induction meeting was organised by the office for international affairs, which saw the participation of the American scholars: Meredith Church, Elena Deegan-Krause, Kathryn Delgado, Nikash Harapanahalli, Nathalie Martinez, Julia Norman, Quinn Kanner, Hiba Siddiqui, Thomas Zugell, and Arivumani Srivastava.
Professor John Caldwell, residential director from the US, accompanied the students during the meeting. LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai stated that the American students will have an opportunity to learn the sublime ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) on the campus.
The scholars are eager to delve into the study of Indian culture, history, philosophy, and the Indian milieu, in addition to their language training, said Prof Poonam Tandon, dean, academics, LU. Prof Syed Ghulam Nabi Ahmad, head of the Persian department guided the students on a campus visit, acquainting them with the university’s facilities and surroundings.
