Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren made headlines during his UK visit by touring All Souls College at Oxford University, a site steeped in intellectual history. On January 25, he offered tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the eminent philosopher-educator and ex-Indian President whose legacy endures at the college.
Recalling Radhakrishnan’s profound connection with Oxford, Soren noted his groundbreaking appointment in 1936 as Spalding Professor and his fellowships spanning decades. Knighted in 1931 for educational excellence, Radhakrishnan exemplified the fusion of Indian wisdom and Western academia.
The trip wasn’t just ceremonial; it sparked in-depth talks on academic collaboration. Welcomed by Anthropology Professor Alpa Shah, the Jharkhand team explored avenues like PhD scholarships, faculty swaps, and shared research initiatives. Priorities included tackling climate change, promoting sustainability, advancing tribal welfare, and delving into cultural heritage.
Soren reiterated his government’s dedication: ‘We are investing heavily in education and international partnerships to position Jharkhand’s institutions and scholars globally.’ The delegation capped the visit with a tour of the historic Radcliffe Camera, Oxford’s famed round reading room and beacon of scholarly pursuit.
This engagement signals a bold step for Jharkhand, aiming to harness Oxford’s expertise for state-specific challenges, from environmental resilience to indigenous empowerment, fostering a new era of academic excellence.