Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official two-day visit to Austria, met with four leading Austrian Indologists and scholars of Indian history and thought, engaging in an insightful exchange on Indian history, philosophy, art, and culture. This historic visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years, came at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria.
During his visit, Modi interacted with distinguished scholars, including Dr. Birgit Kellner, a specialist in Buddhist philosophy and linguistics; Prof. Martin Gaenszle, a renowned expert in Modern South Asian studies; Dr. Borayin Larios, a professor of South Asian studies at the University of Vienna; and Dr. Karin Preisendanz, the head of the Indology Department at the University of Vienna.
The Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the scholars’ deep commitment to studying Indian history and culture, praising their role in disseminating knowledge of India’s rich heritage across the globe. “It was wonderful to hear their extensive insights,” Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He commended the Indologists for their significant contributions in popularizing Indian culture worldwide and emphasized the importance of these academic exchanges in fostering a deeper understanding of India’s cultural legacy.
Exchange of Views on Indology and Indian Culture
The conversation covered a broad spectrum of topics related to Indology, Indian philosophy, and various aspects of Indian art and culture. Modi explored the roots of Indology in Austria and sought to understand how this field has influenced intellectual curiosity and scholarly research in Europe. The scholars shared their academic and research engagement with India, which has spanned decades of inquiry into India’s ancient traditions and philosophies.
Dr. Birgit Kellner, a prominent scholar of Buddhist philosophy, provided insights into her studies of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist thought. Her work has significantly contributed to the understanding of Indian philosophical traditions in the West, particularly the interplay between Buddhism and other Indian philosophical systems.
Prof. Martin Gaenszle, a leading expert in Modern South Asian studies, discussed his research on the cultural and social dimensions of contemporary India. His focus on South Asia’s modern developments provides critical perspectives on the region’s political, social, and cultural transformation.
Dr. Borayin Larios and Dr. Karin Preisendanz, both respected scholars in their respective fields, also highlighted their long-standing engagement with Indian studies, focusing on the role of traditional Indian knowledge systems and their relevance to modern thought.
Strengthening Cultural Ties Through Scholarly Engagement
Modi’s meeting with these prominent Indologists underscores India’s commitment to strengthening cultural and intellectual ties with Europe. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of continued dialogue between scholars of Indian culture and international academics, emphasizing that such interactions are vital to fostering mutual understanding and respect between nations.
The Austrian scholars, who have spent years studying India’s rich intellectual traditions, expressed their appreciation for India’s vibrant cultural and philosophical heritage. They also noted that Austria has a long-standing tradition of Indological studies, with its universities playing a significant role in advancing knowledge about India in the European academic community.
Meeting with Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger
In addition to his interactions with Indologists, Prime Minister Modi met with Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger, a prominent Austrian physicist known for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the transformative potential of quantum computing and quantum technology in shaping the future of science and innovation.
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Modi shared details of India’s National Quantum Mission, which aims to develop a robust ecosystem for quantum research and innovation. He emphasized that India is at the forefront of scientific advancements in this field and is committed to fostering global collaboration to push the boundaries of knowledge in quantum technologies.
“Had an excellent meeting with Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger. His work in quantum mechanics is pathbreaking and will continue to guide generations of researchers and innovators,” Modi posted on X. The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude for the physicist’s thoughtful gift of his book, which Zeilinger presented with a personal message.
Zeilinger, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2022 for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum mechanics, commended India’s efforts to promote research and development in cutting-edge scientific fields.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations with Austria
Modi’s visit to Austria is seen as a significant step in bolstering diplomatic and cultural relations between India and Austria. In addition to his academic engagements, the Prime Minister held discussions with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, where they reviewed recent developments in Europe and West Asia.
The two leaders affirmed the importance of democratic nations like India and Austria collaborating on issues of international and regional peace, security, and prosperity. This visit highlights the shared values and goals that bind India and Austria, as both nations look forward to deepening their partnership in various fields, including science, culture, and education.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Austria not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also reinforced India’s cultural and intellectual connections with Europe, showcasing the country’s commitment to promoting its rich heritage and advancing global collaboration in critical areas like quantum technology.
