In first of its kind initiative taken by any Indian university, the Mumbai University – in partnership with the US Consulate General Mumbai and the Indiana University in the United States – on Thursday launched a new one-year certificate course on international security studies.
The objective of the one-year course, being at the Department of Civics and Politics at Mumbai University’s Kalina campus, “is to provide India’s next generation of leaders with the training they need to guide India into a secure twenty-first century”.
Speaking at the launch of the course, US Consul General in Mumbai Tom Vajda said: “The US sees India as a key strategic partner for the 21st century and fully supports a growing role for India in the region and the world. Some of the challenges that India and the United States face in a rapidly transforming world, are as nuclear proliferation, violent extremism, cyber threats, climate change, and pandemic diseases. These indeed are global challenges”.
“And the Indian and Pacific Ocean region is increasingly important to addressing the challenges faced by the two largest democracies and to ensuring peace and security around the world,"Vajda said.
Applauding the interest shown by students in security studies and Vajda advised them to consider a career in foreign affairs to help shape a secure and bright future for India and beyond.
Dr Uttara Sahasrabuddhe, Professor in the Department of Civics and Politics and the coordinator for the course, said: "There are a handful of universities in India that offer master and research programs in defense and strategic studies. However, University of Mumbai has taken a lead in designing a one-year certificate in security studies that is open to all graduates. Amidst increasing challenges of traditional and non-traditional security-related studies, we are pleased to offer this course in collaboration with the U.S.-based Indiana University and the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai."
Head of the Department of Civics and Politics Dr. Sudha Mohan and Ambassador Neelam Deo, Director, Gateway House, Mumbai were also present at the launch of the course.
The course development was supported by the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai through a grant which allowed Indiana University in Bloomington, Illinois to partner with Mumbai University in order to develop a curriculum for the course.
Twelve students have enrolled themselves for the first edition of the course, which began in November 2016 and covers concepts and approaches to security issues, traditional and non-traditional security, maritime security, and internal security issues in India.
Interested prospective students may contact Dr. Uttara Sahasrabuddhe at suttara@politics.mu.ac.in at the Mumbai University’s Department of Civics and Politics for course information.