INDIA: Alfred Nobel's grandson plans peace varsity in India

NEW DELHI (The Times of India), August 9, 2008: By Akshaya Mukul, Times News Network It is one foreign university that is unlikely to meet too much resistance in India. The HRD ministry is considering a proposal to set up a United Earth Peace University by United Earth, an international NGO headed by Claes Nobel, grandson of Alfred Nobel. The ministry received the proposal a few months ago and is likely to let university become a reality. Sources said the location of the university would be decided later. At this stage, consultations are taking place with the University Grants Commission. Sources also said unlike other foreign universities, United Earth Peace University would be run mostly by Indians. Also, since it does not seek to make profit, the ministry thinks getting clearance would not be a problem. According to Nobel, ‘‘United Earth Peace University in India will be the first of a series of world-wide universities which are uniquely committed to graduate self-integrated, global citizens who will reverse the current destructive trends of humankind.'' The initial target group of students will be the mainstream management employees and professionals in all major institutions like industry, commerce, media, government, military, political parties, religious and educational institutions. It would be the first university of its kind that would not entirely focus on youth. The objective of the university is to transform the target group from dysfunctional and destructive tendencies to co-operative, effective and constructive behaviour. The estimated time for curricula and campus development is three to five years. Support for the university in India, say sources aware of the proposal, has come from leaders in the field of education, religion, commerce, science, media and politics. Founded in 1974 by Nobel, United Earth also gives the Earth Prize awards. An international NGO, it recognizes and promotes environmental leadership and humanitarian excellence. Copyright © 2008 Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd.