Dear Colleagues,
I would like to bring the following news to the attention of those of you, who have a stake in the continued existence of Indian Studies in Germany:
A few days ago, the rectorate of the University of Halle adopted - completely unexpectedly - a cutback plan to eliminate a whole number of departments. Among them is the study of India in both its historical and contemporary aspects. Two professorships for these areas had already been released for re-filling. The announcement for the two positions was expected this summer semester.
There is a massive protest inside and outside the university against the planned permanent closure of, among others, the programs in Greek, Latin, Indology, Japanese Studies, South Asian Languages and Cultures, Near Eastern Archaeology, Political Sciences as well as the Department of Classics and the Department of Sports Science.