JAY JOSHI
Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) was first established at Goa University in 1988. In 2000, it started offering a Master’s Programme in International Studies, and by 2018, it evolved into department of International Relations. Now, process is on to develop the section into a full-fledged School of International and Area Studies, informed head of the Department, Aparajita Gangopadhyay.
“Right now, the Department of International Relations is an umbrella, under which we have the Center for Latin American Studies. Additionally, we are developing many other aspects. We have established a Brazilian Chair, for which an agreement has been signed between Goa University and the Brazilian government, and the government of Goa has approved two assistant professor positions at the Department of International Relations. Apart from this, there will be three positions in Chinese Studies-one for language , and two for studying China,” the HoD stated. The expansion plan also includes a proposal to get a chair from the Navy on maritime issues.
“However, having a department and so many sections under it often makes the administration a tedious process. Hence, idea is being considered to establish a School, which will function independently in terms of academic programmes,” the professor said. School results from merging of departments that have commonality in terms of discipline.
Apart from China studies, which will include classes in Mandarin language, the department also plans to offer classes in Hebrew language, informed professor Gangopadhyay. She further added that it is indeed important to study China if one is to understand the world today, and it also has direct impact on Goans.
“Many companies in Goa do business with China, and require people with knowledge of Mandarin language. If Goan locals know the language, it could open up new employment opportunities for Goans, and also save considerable amount of costs for companies. Similarly, learning Hebrew can tremendously help Goans working in tourism industry,” said the academic.
The language courses will be open to all, and not just University students, she informed.
“We are working to open up a number of courses for the civil society, and if there is demand, we will certainly accommodate more subjects, offering courses at times convenient to professionals across all walks of life,” added the professor.
That said, Goans do need to inculcate a global viewpoint when it comes to learning and academics, averred the head of Department of International Relations. “When Goans think about going on holiday or making a career, they think about global destinations. Similarly, they need to consider learning about the world. The courses we cover could greatly help IAS aspirants when it comes to current-affairs knowledge. Unfortunately, not many Goans pursue studies for IAS exams. This picture has to change,” Gangopadhyay said.
Noting that there is a need to foster interest about international studies in Goa, the Department will host interactions and awareness programmes at various colleges around Goa to inform the students about the new opportunities.
“In the next five years, we are set to witness some exciting developments,” quipped the academic,asserting that owing to its tourism industry, Goa is perhaps one of the most globalised regions of India, and Goans need to come forward in greater numbers to learn foreign languages.
