First ICCR visiting scholar shares expertise at CUHK

As part of the University’s effort to internationalise the campus, CUHK collaborated with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to create a visiting professorship programme to engage Indian scholars to teach and conduct research at the University.

Prof. UA Vinay Kumar from the Department of Philosophy of Goa University in India is the first visiting professor engaged under the programme. He is teaching three courses, ‘Self and Identity in India Culture and Religion’, ‘Hindu Visions of Divinity’ and ‘Introduction to Indian Religion’ at the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies during the first term. He also gave an ICCR public lecture on ‘Buddhism and Hinduism: Treasure-troves of Secret Codes’ in November 2016, providing insight in the ‘hidden meanings’ in religious stories, parables, symbols and linguistics of these two ancient and popular religions, both originated from India. His teaching has enriched the depth of the courses on Indian culture and religion, allowing CUHK students to gain deeper understanding in the field without travelling to India.

Prof. Kumar enjoys the multicultural environment at CUHK. He is also impressed with the proactive learning attitude of Hong Kong students who often raise well-thought-out questions.