Why India matters : literature and global citizens

Abstract

When it comes to fostering greater understanding between two countries, literature can help students gain an understanding of culture and place in a unique way. Literary texts enable students to make the links between their own lived experiences and the experiences of their counterparts in other countries, providing a nexus between theory and practice. The new Australia India Institute will provide an exciting opportunity to use the Indian context to explore these possibilities further, but it work is significant beyond the realm of literature education. The institute's goal is to nurture Australia's relationship with India; it recognises the growing importance of India in world affairs. Drawing on the resources of Australian universities and partner organisations in India, the Australia India Institute is ideally placed to inform curriculum design and implementation, which will mutually benefit both the Australian and Indian education systems. [Author abstract, ed]