October 19, 2008

West Bengal to become seat of Italian studies


KOLKATA: West Bengal is all set to become a seat of Italian studies with 11 universities from that country about to sign a composite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four State universities for exchange programmes. Under the MoU Italian language, philosophy and political studies will be taught at the designated universities here.

The exchange programme will also facilitate the teaching of Bengali literature, especially that of Tagore, as well as music, choreography and synchronisation techniques at the 11 Italian universities, Bruno Campria, Consul General of the Italian Consulate, said. He will sign the MoU on November 7 on behalf of the Italian universities. This was being done as part of an initiative of the Italian Consulate in the city.

“There is a widespread interest in the literature of Rabindranath Tagore as well as the Bengali language among the Italian students who will now be able to study them in their own country,” Mr. Campria told The Hindu here on Saturday.

Film being an integral part of showcasing the cultural diversity of any region, organising Bengali film festivals at the Italian universities is also a part of the exchange programme. The open format of the text of the MoU will enable other universities interested in joining the exchange programme subsequently without going through the diplomatic labyrinth.

Mr. Campria said the Consulate wants India-Italian ties in the eastern part of the country to extend beyond the boundaries of economic relationship. “Cooperation carried out in the shape of specific executive projects dealing with common interests like culture and academics will help strengthen the bilateral ties.”

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