UW-Oshkosh dedicates The India Corner, joins global network of universities

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh dedicated The India Corner on Thursday, creating a new educational resource that supports global learning, cultural understanding and international engagement.

The initiative, housed within Dorian Boyland Hall, is part of a growing network of universities across the United States and around the world that have established India Corners and similar educational resources to provide opportunities for learning, cultural exploration and global awareness.

A special dedication and reception was held Thursday, with 75 new hardcover books about such topics as India's geography, art, history, food, films, literature, on display in a large bookcase within Boyland Hall.

The India Corner represents more than a cultural resource," said Somnath Ghosh, who is consul general of India in Chicago, Illinois. "It is a space that promotes dialogue, learning and mutual understanding, reflecting the values that connect our two democracies and strengthen relationship between people, communities and nations."

UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Manohar Singh said educational resources such as The India Corner, help students better understand the world around them and the various cultures, histories and perspectives that shape it.

"This resource will support learning, dialogue and cultural understanding while further strengthening UW-Oshkosh's commitment to global engagement," he said.

Singh extended his thanks to Ghosh and his colleagues for "making this day happen" and said UWO will cherish the gifts.

"Universities prepare students for careers, but our greater responsibility is to help them develop perspective, judgment and an understanding of their place in an interconnected world. The India Corner reflects our commitment to global learning and the exchange of ideas that enrich the educational experience for all students."

Brent Blahnik, UW-Oshkosh director of admissions, said The India Corner is not simply a place, but provides an invitation to learn.

"It is an invitation to learn about one of the world's oldest civilizations and one of its most influential modern nations," he said. "It is an invitation to explore India's history, literature, philosophy, science, innovation, democracy and cultural traditions. It is an invitation to better understand a country that is helping shape the future of our interconnected world.

"For our students, it is an opportunity to encounter ideas and perspectives that may challenge assumptions, spark new interests and inspire future study, research, travel and collaboration."

Blahnik added that international engagement is not simply about travel-it's about preparing students to live and lead in a world that is increasingly interconnected.

"It's about helping them develop the knowledge, perspective, empathy and cultural understanding necessary to navigate that world successfully," he said.

With the dedication, UW-Oshkosh joins a growing network of institutions that have established India Corners and similar educational resources, including Indiana University Bloomington, Rutgers University, Wesleyan University, the University at Buffalo and universities around the world.

The dedication brought together representatives of the Consulate General of India in Chicago, university leaders, faculty, students, community partners, business leaders, elected officials and guests from across the region.

The India Corner will serve as an ongoing resource for learning, exploration and engagement at UW-Oshkosh.

See a gallery of photos here