University of Cologn Institute for Indology and Tamil Studies

From: Participants
24th International Conference on
South Asian Languages Analysis
Center for India Studies
Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, U.S.A.
November 20, 2004
To
The Rector
University of Cologne
Albertus-Magnus-Platz
D-50925, Cologne
Germany.

Dear Mr. Rector,

We learn, with deep anguish and disappointment, that the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Cologne has recommended closure of the Institute of Indology and Tamil Studies from November, 2006 when Prof. D. B. Kapp, its present Director, retires after many years of distinguished service. We write this plea to the University not to accept this faculty recommendation. Our plea is based on the following reasons.

1. Germany has been an intellectual pioneer in Indology. The Cologne University has taken this tradition forward and made a distinct contribution in adding Tamil Studies as an integral part of Indological Studies. It will be a reversal of this tradition if the Institute of Indology is closed.

2. The Institute of Indology and Tamil Studies has built an enviable collection of Sanskrit and Tamil materials, classical and modern. It will be a shame to let these rich resources languish. .

3. Many universities in the U.S.A., and in some parts of Europe, realizing the emergence of South Asia as a major player in the modern global economy, are strengthening their South Asian language programs and programs in India/South Asian Studies. It will be a pity if Cologne University misses this emerging world-wide trend in academics and loses its lead in the field at this crucial juncture.

For these reasons and others, we, the undersigned, plead with the Cologne University not to accept the faculty of Philosophys recommendation. Instead, we hope you will support the continuation and growth of the Institute of Indology and Tamil Studies.

Thank you very much,

Yours sincerely,