In a significant diplomatic and academic outreach, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren visited the prestigious All Souls College at Oxford University during his ongoing trip to the United Kingdom. The visit, which took place on January 25, served as a poignant tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s former President and a towering figure in philosophy and education who spent many illustrious years at the institution.
CM Soren paid homage to Dr. Radhakrishnan, highlighting his role as a bridge between Eastern and Western intellectual traditions. Appointed as the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics in 1936, Radhakrishnan remained a Fellow at All Souls College until 1952 and later an Honorary Fellow until 1975. His contributions to education earned him a knighthood from King George V in 1931.
The discussions during the visit focused on forging stronger academic ties between Jharkhand and Oxford. Professor Alpa Shah from Oxford’s Anthropology Department welcomed the Jharkhand delegation and formally honored the Chief Minister. Key topics included doctoral scholarships for Jharkhand students, new research opportunities, faculty exchange programs, and joint research projects.
Special emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts in climate change, sustainable development, tribal welfare, and heritage studies—areas critical to Jharkhand’s development agenda. ‘Jharkhand is committed to investing in education, research, and global academic partnerships to empower our young scholars on the world stage,’ Soren affirmed.
Post-visit, the delegation toured the iconic Radcliffe Camera, the 18th-century circular library that symbolizes global knowledge traditions as part of the Bodleian Library. This move underscores Jharkhand’s push to elevate its educational institutions through international alliances, promising enhanced opportunities for its youth in cutting-edge research and innovation.