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Now, Oxford turns to India for help
The world-class British university is disturbed by the rising number of Indian students heading to US varsities.
Disturbed by the rising number of Indian students heading to US varsities, the Oxford University has sought the help of Indian business leaders to set up a research centre at its Said Business School to reflect the subcontinent nation's rising global importance.
Oxford University Chancellor Lord Patten discussed setting up the India Research Centre with senior officials of Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys Technologies, three top companies in the country, the Financial Times reported.
The project would require an investment of $17 million, but Lord Patten did not disclose from whom he was seeking contributions.
"We are losing some of the best (Indian) students to the US, and since, our reputation depends on being seen to trawl the world to attract the best, that has got to be a worry," he said.
Pointing out that only 200 students were studying at Oxford compared to 540 from China, he said he was puzzled that "there is no financial reason why Chinese students should come and Indian students should not".
He said lots need to be done in Oxford to reflect India's rising global importance and strengthening economy.
Lord Patten said the university was sharpening its focus on India to align a traditional Asian bias towards Chinese studies.
A senior academic post in Indian history and culture is being set up, a master's degree in south Asian studies is being finalised and a senior teaching position is being considered in the international relations department, he announced.
