"These generous gifts from Dr. Mattoo and the Indian American community are building a solid foundation for growth of India Studies at Stony Brook," said Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., MD.

"They will help Stony Brook attract outstanding scholars and talented students who recognize the significant role that India has played from ancient times in developing knowledge systems in a wide range of disciplines and its contemporary role as a major player in an increasingly interdependent global economy and world."

"The Centre is the perfect example of a successful partnership between a public university and the Indian American community," said Mattoo. "Looking ahead, the endowment comprising these gifts will put the Centre on a solid financial footing and enable us to continue to offer our rich programmes in perpetuity.

"The study of India, one of the great classical civilizations of the world, is a wonderful complement to one's education and is a positive influence on the world," he said.

"And we are delighted to dedicate this endowment as the Indian American community's birthday gift to India on the occasion of her 66th Independence Day, August 15."

The India Studies programme started on Stony Brook University campus in 1995 with just two courses taught by Professors S.N. Sridhar and Kamal K. Sridhar.

Today India Studies faculty teach some 30 courses to more than 1,500 students, write and edit books, and publish in major academic journals.

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