Oxford Celebrates 10 Years of Sustainable Development in India

The University of Oxfords Somerville College Choir and key representatives from the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development embark on a tour of India to commemorate the centers 10th anniversary, hosting events and performances in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa.

A team from the University of Oxford is currently touring India to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) at Somerville College. The university's Somerville College Choir and key representatives from the OICSD will visit New Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa to conduct outreach activities and host an event on artificial intelligence (AI), led by University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey. The choir's concluding concert will be held at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on Thursday, following performances in Delhi and Goa.

Strengthening Ties and Celebrating Achievements

Expressing excitement about the tour, William Dawes, Director of Chapel Music at Somerville College, highlighted the success of their previous tour in 2018 and their delight in returning to India to celebrate this momentous occasion. He emphasized their enthusiasm for performing at prestigious venues like the NCPA and expressed joy in sharing their music and experiences with local children through collaborations with the British Council and the charity Magic Bus.

OICSD: A Unique Partnership for Sustainable Development

Established in 2013, the OICSD stands as a unique Oxford-India partnership and a research center in the UK dedicated to sustainable development in India. Its mission is to create "brain grain" for India by offering a scholarship program that supports future leaders in law, public policy, environment, and health. Since its inception, the OICSD has appointed 50 scholars, including the UK's first fully-funded scholarship for Indian students from Dalit, Adivasi, Bahujan, and first-time learner backgrounds, named after pioneering educationalist Savitribai Phule.

Forging and Strengthening Relationships

Jan Royall, Principal of Somerville College, expressed her delight in returning to India to mark ten remarkable years of the OICSD. She expressed pride in each of the talented Indian scholars and hoped that through their journey, sharing their work, and enjoying the beautiful music of the choir, they could continue to build and strengthen the relationship between India, Somerville, and Oxford.

Somerville's Historic Links to India

Somerville College highlighted its significant historical connections to India, being the college of Cornelia Sorabji – the first woman to practice law in India and the first Indian woman to study at any British university. This year marks 130 years since Sorabji left Oxford and 100 years since she became the second woman in history to be called to the English bar. The college also boasts other distinguished Indian alumnae, including the world's first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi; Uma Das Gupta, biographer of Rabindranath Tagore; Raddhabai Subbarayan, the first woman to sit in the Rayja Sabha; and actress Moon Moon Sen.

Philanthropy Supporting the Tour

The India tour, which commenced last week, is made possible through philanthropy from the college's benefactors and alumni in India and the UK. This support ensures that all choir singers can participate, regardless of their financial circumstances.