HCI, Pretoria Remarks by Mr. R. K. Bhatia, High Commissioner of India to South Africa at launch of Centre for Indian Studies (CISA) at Wits University (Johannesburg: September 16, 2008) His Excellency Shri Anand Sharma Minister of State for External Afrair, Her Excellency Madame Susan van der Merwe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Loyiso Nongxa, Vice Chancellor, Faculty members, students and guests of the Wits University, Ladies and gentlemen, 1. I am grateful for the opportunity to address this distinguished audience. “Education”, said Nelson Mandela once, “is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We are happy to employ this “weapon” creatively to deepen India-South Africa relations. The launch of the Centre for Indian studies today is undoubtedly an important milestone in our joint endeavors in that direction. 2. I am grateful for the opportunity to address this distinguished audience. “Education”, said Nelson Mandela once, “is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We are happy to employ this “weapon” creatively to deepen India-South Africa relations. The launch of the Centre for Indian studies today is undoubtedly an important milestone in our joint endeavors in that direction. 3. In the past eighteen months our diplomatic team in South Africa has worked hard to identify, encourage and support certain South African universities that are capable of and committed to forging cooperative links with suitable institutions in India. Success achieved in this project is due to the overwhelming response we have received so far. By December 2008, India would have hosted high-ranking delegations from eight leading universities in South Africa, with varying outcome of a tangible nature. 4. Two days from today, our Minister of State for External Affairs will jointly inaugurate with the President of the African National Congress, Mahatma Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies in the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dr. M. S. John, a well-known Indian academic, will be its first occupant. 5. In this backdrop, the centerpiece of our promotional efforts towards academic cooperation is the momentous launch today of the Centre of Indian Studies in Africa at the University of Witswatersrand. This is indeed a first of its kind. Prof. Loyiso Nongxa, the Vice Chancellor and his team, has worked tirelessly with us to turn a dream into reality. We are delighted by the presence of our Minister of State at this event, a clear confirmation of our country’s commitment to assist the Centre now and in future. We are specially grateful to Madame Susan van der Merwe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs – and, if I may add, a great friend of India’s – for her presence here. It reflects the importance which the Government of South Africa attaches to a pioneering initiative. 6. We are confident that the Centre will become the fulcrum of efforts to deepen knowledge of India in South Africa and of South Africa in India. It is my privilege, on behalf of my team in the High Commission and the Consulate General in Johannesburg, to wish the Centre all success in future. We will no doubt hear more about this great event from other speakers today.