Oxford bid to woo Indians with research centre on Indian biz

Oxford University, which is on an overdrive to woo students from India, has announced that it plans to set up a research centre on Indian business.

This is part of a slew of initiatives which this university is planning to take in an effort to step up its cross-cultural mix.

Chris Patten, chancellor, Oxford, said in Bangalore, "Indian businesses are growing rapidly and we feel that India will be one of the strong players of the 21st century. We are constantly looking at ways to increase the presence of Indians in Oxford and this centre in collaboration with Indian industries is a step in that effort."

He added that they haven't yet worked out the costs for setting up this centre but it is estimated to cost around 10 million pounds. In addition to this centre, Oxford is also setting up a department for Indian history and culture and Centre for South Asian Studies.

Speaking on steps that Oxford is taking to increase the intake of Indian students, he said: "There are around 200 students from India, while there are around 500 plus from China. There is severe competition from global institutions to attract bright students and I feel that we are not doing enough, like the Ivy League universities are doing."

He added that his visit to India is a step in that direction to highlight the vast potential that Oxford offers. Patten further noted that they are in constant touch with Indian universities for faculty collaborations.

Referring to reservations which prevail in the Indian education system, Patten felt that it was not sensible to discriminate in education. "No one should dilute standards of education. It is enjoyable only when it is challenging," he said.