OUR MISSION:
The Center for South Asia Studies (CSAS) mission is to provide
active support for the teaching and research activities of South Asia-related
faculty and the learning and research activities of their students; to
develop financial resources for the enhancement of South Asia studies;
to encourage interdisciplinary, regional and comparative studies of South
Asia; to create outreach programs in coordination with other institutions
of primary, secondary and post-secondary education; and to support cultural
and community activities relating to South Asia and South Asians. The
only US Department of Education-funded National Resource Center for South
Asia studies in California, this Center is committed to enhancing the
knowledge of South Asia and South Asians by working with institutions
and individuals throughout the state. CSAS seeks to develop and advance
the scholarly study of the region conventionally known as South Asia,
comprising the nations of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tibet and the Maldives. The research activities
encompassed include the social sciences, the humanities, and relevant
professional fields.
Subordinate to this mission, but connected with it, is
the Center's goal of increasing awareness and understanding of these
nations, their peoples, and the diverse cultures they represent, on
the part of educators, students, the representatives of the media, and
the general population of the State of California. CSAS strives to accomplish
its principal objective through the organization and hosting of a variety
of scholarly events, including lectures, colloquia, seminars, and research
conferences, the bringing to campus of a variety of research specialists,
the initiation and administration of research projects, and the publication
of research books and monographs on various aspects of South Asia studies.
The Center is one of ten Organized Research Units that are part of International
and Area Studies (IAS), which in turn is mandated to link and expand
the international units on campus and to enlarge the university's international
contributions and visibility. IAS is headed by Dean John Lie, Class
of 1959 Professor.
OUR LOGO:
The CSAS logo, adopted in 1991, is a South Indian Kolam. Made
of rice flour, the kolam is traditionally drawn on the threshhold by the
women of the house. It can be simple or complex, colorful or just plain
white, but it always signifies welcome to guests.