Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Explores Oxford University Collaboration for Future Academic Engagement

Ranchi: The chief minister Hemant Soren-led delegation was accorded a warm reception at Oxford University on Sunday as the team visited the prestigious academic centre to explore long-term collaboration for future-oriented academic engagement aligned with the vision of the UK-India 2035 partnership.Hemant visited All Souls College, Oxford University, where he paid tribute to India’s former President, philosopher and statesman Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. “Dr Radhakrishnan was a towering personality in India’s intellectual history and had deep intellectual connections with St John’s and Oxford,” Hemant said.The CM also recalled Dr Radhakrishnan’s long-standing and distinguished association with Oxford. For his contributions to education, he was knighted by King George V in 1931.Oxford University’s professor of anthropology, Alpa Shah, welcomed the delegation. “During the meeting, discussions were held on possibilities of deepening academic collaboration between Jharkhand and Oxford. This included new doctoral scholarships for Jharkhand students, research opportunities, faculty exchange and possibilities of joint research initiatives in areas such as climate change, sustainable development, tribal welfare and heritage that could support the state govt’s efforts,” a statement from the state IPRD read.

In his address, the CM underlined Jharkhand’s commitment to investment in education, research and global academic partnerships. He also spoke about supporting young researchers to strengthen the state's educational institutions. After touring the All Souls College, the delegation also visited the historic Radcliffe Camera located at the heart of Oxford. Built in the 18th century, this famous circular building houses the library, and it is an important part of the Bodleian Library and considered a symbol of learning, research and intellectual tradition worldwide.Hemant, who will be in London on India’s Republic Day, would participate in a series of commemorative engagements, reflecting India’s constitutional values, democratic legacy, and civilisational heritage, the IPRD statement said.The CM would also pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square, London, visit Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar House and Museum, and the British Museum, one of the world’s leading institutions preserving global history and culture, it added.