Mataram, August 5, 2026 – Reinforcing its commitment to internationalization and global academic engagement, Institut Agama Hindu Negeri (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram successfully hosted a Visiting Professor Program and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony with Central Sanskrit University (CSU), India, on Wednesday (August 5, 2026). The prestigious event, held at the 3rd Floor Meeting Hall of the Rectorate Building, marked a significant milestone in strengthening academic diplomacy between Indonesia and India while opening new avenues for collaborative excellence in higher education. The international gathering brought together university executives, faculty members, students, and distinguished scholars from India in an atmosphere filled with intellectual enthusiasm, cultural appreciation, and mutual respect. Organized under the leadership of Dewi Kusumasanthi, B.Com., M.A., Chair of the Organizing Committee, the event reflected IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram’s growing role as an internationally connected institution dedicated to academic innovation and intercultural dialogue.
The distinguished delegation from Central Sanskrit University included Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University; Prof. Madhukeshwar Bhat, Professor, Director of Central Schemes, Director of Programmes, and Officer on Special Duty to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor; and Prof. Amarjiva Lochan, General Secretary of the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) and Member of the International Academic Collaboration Division of Central Sanskrit University. The collaboration was facilitated by Yayasan Dvipantara Samskrtam Bali, represented by Mr. Sumesh Soman Kuzhivelil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, whose dedication has played a pivotal role in connecting the two institutions. In his welcoming address, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed profound appreciation to Central Sanskrit University, Yayasan Dvipantara Samskrtam, and everyone whose commitment made the collaboration possible.
He described the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding as a strategic milestone that reflects the shared vision of both universities to foster academic excellence beyond national boundaries.“This partnership represents our collective commitment to creating impactful collaboration in education, research, and community engagement. We envision meaningful cooperation through faculty and student mobility, collaborative research, curriculum enrichment, international conferences, and cultural exchange programs that will enrich both institutions while strengthening the enduring friendship between Indonesia and India,” the Rector stated.He further emphasized that international collaboration has become an essential pillar in enhancing institutional quality, expanding global perspectives, and preparing graduates capable of contributing to an increasingly interconnected world. He expressed confidence that this partnership would accelerate IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram’s journey toward becoming a globally recognized center for Hindu studies, culture, and interdisciplinary scholarship.
Delivering his keynote remarks, Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, highlighted the centuries-old civilizational relationship between India and IIndonesia According to him, despite being separated geographically, both nations have long shared profound historical, cultural, and spiritual ties. During his visit to Indonesia, he was fascinated to witness numerous similarities in religious traditions, cultural expressions, temple heritage, and daily life. He also observed that many Indonesian words continue to reflect their Sanskrit linguistic roots, demonstrating the deep historical influence of Indian civilization throughout the Indonesian archipelago.“When I arrived in Indonesia, I felt a remarkable sense of familiarity. The similarities in culture, values, traditions, and even language clearly illustrate the historical bonds that unite our two countries. This partnership therefore extends beyond institutional cooperation—it is also a continuation of a shared civilizational heritage,” he remarked.
Founded by an Act of the Parliament of India, Central Sanskrit University is one of India’s foremost public universities specializing in Sanskrit studies and Indian Knowledge Systems. Through its network of campuses across India, the university has become an internationally respected center for excellence in Sanskrit language, Indian philosophy, Vedic studies, literature, linguistics, yoga, Ayurveda, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary research, while actively promoting global academic ppartnerships Further enriching the academic session, Prof. Madhukeshwar Bhat introduced Central Sanskrit University’s academic ecosystem, highlighting its innovative Distance Education Programme, which provides flexible learning opportunities for students and scholars worldwide through online and blended learning platforms. These programs enable international learners to pursue studies in Sanskrit, Indian philosophy, scriptures, and traditional knowledge systems regardless of geographical location.
He expressed optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding would soon be translated into concrete collaborative initiatives, including visiting professorships, joint research projects, co-authored international publications, curriculum development, student exchange, faculty mobility, and international academic conferences. Meanwhile, Prof. Amarjiva Lochan, General Secretary of the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) and Member of the International Academic Collaboration Division of Central Sanskrit University, underscored the strategic significance of the newly established partnership. He emphasized that the MoU provides a comprehensive framework for implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education through collaborative education, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. He envisioned future cooperation encompassing joint teaching, collaborative publications, academic mobility, international seminars, cultural preservation programs, and community-based initiatives that would generate lasting benefits for both institutions while strengthening academic diplomacy between Indonesia and India.
The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding became the highlight of the event, symbolizing a shared commitment to developing sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation across various academic, research, and cultural fields. The ceremony concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts as tokens of friendship and mutual respect, followed by an official group photograph involving university leaders and distinguished delegates from both countries. Throughout the program, the venue was filled with enthusiasm as lecturers and students actively participated in discussions, interacted with the visiting professors, and explored opportunities for future academic collaboration. The warm exchanges, engaging conversations, and spirit of camaraderie reflected not only the success of the event but also the promising future of the partnership.
The Visiting Professor Program and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding reaffirm IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram’s strategic commitment to strengthening its international presence, expanding global academic networks, and creating transformative opportunities that empower students, academics, and researchers to thrive in the global higher education landscape. (by: DKS)
