Indian American venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani, through the Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation, has pledged $5 million to establish the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University in India.
The newly established institute aims to enhance India-U.S. academic collaboration and foster a global dialogue, providing a platform for research, policy engagement, and student exchange between the two nations.
The institute honors the late Indian-American computer scientist and Stanford professor, Rajeev Motwani, known for mentoring Google’s founders and other prominent Silicon Valley innovators. It intends to carry forward his legacy of education, innovation, and cross-border engagement.
At the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies, the focus will be on interdisciplinary research encompassing U.S. politics, law, economy, culture, and technology. Planned initiatives include faculty and student exchanges, and the introduction of a master’s program in American Studies. Additionally, annual events such as the Rajeev Motwani Memorial Lecture and a bilateral conference on India-U.S. relations will be organized.
The institute will also establish strategic platforms such as a tech-innovation hub, youth and policy forums, and global indices to monitor bilateral cooperation. The ultimate goal is to become a global center of excellence in American Studies and act as a catalyst for enhancing India-U.S. ties.
Asha Jadeja, the driving force behind the initiative, stated, “The establishment of the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at JGU reflects my deep belief in the power of education to shape global narratives and foster enduring partnerships. At a time of great global transformation, it is vital for India and the United States to invest in the next generation of scholars, thinkers, and leaders who can build bridges of understanding, cooperation, and innovation.”
This substantial philanthropic effort marks one of the largest contributions to O.P. Jindal Global University to date and is considered one of the most significant investments in the field of American Studies in India.
This investment and the establishment of the institute signify a commitment to developing a deeper understanding and stronger ties between India and the United States, promoting educational and cultural exchange that can pave the way for future collaboration, according to New India Abroad.
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