Indian couple pledges US$ 3.5 million for Sanskrit studies

The Anupama and Guru Ramakrishnan Professorship in Sanskrit studies will support a faculty member whose work focuses on the ancient classical language, a university statement said. 

“The University of Chicago is world renowned for its excellence in the scholarship of South Asia,” said Humanities dean Martha T Roth. “Guru and Anupama Ramakrishnan’s generosity allows us to sustain that tradition and makes possible continued rigorous study of the cultural heritage of South Asia through its literary, religious and philosophical texts,” she added. 

The first scholar to hold the position has also been named. It will be Gary Tubb, professor in South Asian Languages and Civilisations who is also the faculty director of the University of Chicago Centre in Delhi. 

The Ramakrishnans have said they are delighted to the Sanskrit chair. “ It is one of the oldest languages that has given the world the Vedas, Upanishads and other exceptional works of spirituality, poetry, music and dance,” they said. Commenting on the choice of University, the couple said, “The University of Chicago’s long-term commitment to scholarship in Sanskrit made it our institution of choice to partner with on this important initiative.” Sanskrit, has been continuously taught South Asian language at Chicago University, since 1892.