ACTIVITIES - Australian studies

Grant funding - Australian studies - Commerce - Education - Indian studies - Institutional and professional links - International relations - Performing and visual arts - Print and electronic media and film - Public awareness - Science and technology - Sport

The objective of the Council’s Australian studies program is to foster the development of a group of Indian opinion leaders who can interpret Australian society and politics to the Indian people and government.

Recognising the need for a firm basis for future AIC-sponsored activity in encouraging Australian studies in India, the Council agreed to provide funding for Emeritus Professor Peter Reeves of Curtin University of Technology, Perth, to undertake the first stage of a comprehensive review of Australian studies in India, which will provide recommendations for a strategic program of support for Australian studies in India.

In the interim, the Council provided funding for visits to India to encourage interest in Australian studies in literature and other areas, and to examine existing facilities for teaching Australian studies in several Indian universities, including:

• a visit by Professor Bruce Bennett, Head of the School of English at the Australian Defence Force Academy, to participate in conferences and workshops at universities in New Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai during November 1997
• a visit by Dr Paul Sharrad of the University of Wollongong to participate in seminars and lectures at universities in Chennai, Trivandrum, Mysore and New Delhi during December 1997 and January 1998
• a visit by Dr Satendra Nandan of the University of Canberra to participate in a conference in Mysore and to give lectures at universities in Mysore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and New Delhi during June and July 1998.

Introduction - Chairman's message - Board members - Mission statement, aim and objectives - Activities - Administrative overview - Appendix: Australia-India Council Trust Account Financial Statements 1997-98