As President Richard Brodhead and a team of University officials nurtures ties in India, we ought to mirror this commitment to a global education here on campus as well. With world financial markets proving their inherent interconnectedness, countries' military ambitions spilling well across their borders and the looming decision to either continue or alter our foreign policy, it is more important than ever that we understand the dynamics of different regions of the globe.
South Asia, until now at least, seems to have been left out of important conversations on Duke's campus. While DukeEngage has given students the opportunity to travel to Bangladesh and numerous sites in India, from a curricular standpoint, there is a lack of consistent course offerings on the economics, politics and policy atmosphere in the region. "It is a place from where we can learn a great deal," President Brodhead said, and collaborative efforts by Fuqua, Sanford and the Nicholas School demonstrate a University-wide realization.
This trip and all the talk surrounding it are a great first step. I had a chance to meet with Brodhead before he departed Thursday, and his excitement is truly inspiring. Nonetheless, we ought to ensure Duke's increased involvement in India and South Asia goes hand in hand with opportunities for students to learn more about the region as well.
Aneesh Kapur
Co-President, Duke Diya
Trinity '09
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