Has JGU Launched the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies with a Historic $5 Million Endowment?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Establishment of MJIAS at JGU with a $5 million endowment.
- Honoring Professor Rajeev Motwani’s legacy in computer science.
- Focus on enhancing India-US relations through education.
- Introduction of various programs including fellowships and conferences.
- Encouraging interdisciplinary research on US-related topics.
Sonipat, June 30 (NationPress) O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) is thrilled to announce the creation of the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS), backed by a groundbreaking endowment of US$5 million (approximately ₹44 crores) from Asha Jadeja Motwani, a well-known US-based venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, along with the Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation.
This transformative gift stands as one of the largest philanthropic investments in JGU and is pivotal for advancing American Studies in India.
The Institute is named to honour the late Professor Rajeev Motwani, a distinguished computer scientist from Stanford University, whose mentorship inspired the founders of Google and many other innovators.
The MJIAS will be a lasting homage to his legacy while promoting Motwani's steadfast commitment to education, innovation, and collaboration between India and the United States.
“The inception of the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at JGU embodies my profound conviction in the power of education to influence global narratives and nurture lasting partnerships. In this era of significant global shifts, it is crucial for India and the United States to invest in the future generations of scholars, thinkers, and leaders who can forge connections of understanding, cooperation, and innovation. I am privileged to support this visionary initiative and excited to collaborate with JGU in establishing a premier institution for American Studies in India,” stated Asha Jadeja Motwani, Founder of the Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation.
The MJIAS aims to position itself as a globally recognized hub of excellence for research, teaching, and policy engagement focused on the United States, while enhancing India-US relations and contributing to worldwide discussions.
Its mission includes: Encouraging interdisciplinary research on US politics, law, economy, culture, and technology; Facilitating partnerships between Indian and American academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society; Advancing public understanding of U.S. global leadership and innovation ecosystems; Supporting comparative legal and constitutional research; and Cultivating future leaders in India-U.S. affairs through faculty and student exchanges.
The Institute will introduce a variety of programs and initiatives, including: the annual Rajeev Motwani Memorial Lecture; the Rajeev Motwani Fellowship; a Master’s Programme in American Studies; and an Annual Conference on India-US Comprehensive Global collaboration.
The strategic partnership will also feature: a Tech-Innovation Hub; an India-US Policy Consultation Forum; the India-US Youth Forum; a Global Challenges Forum; studies and reports; sociocultural mobility initiatives; and global indices to enhance bilateral interests.
Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU and President of MJIAS, commented, “This historic endowment signifies a pivotal moment for JGU. The Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies will serve as a vital link between India and the United States. We express our gratitude to Asha Jadeja Motwani for her visionary philanthropy and her belief in education's power to shape global futures. JGU was founded through the philanthropic vision of our founding Chancellor and benefactor, Naveen Jindal. I am delighted to see this vision being expanded through the leadership of global philanthropic figures like Asha Jadeja Motwani.”