Mataram, December 18, 2025 — Institut Agama Hindu Negeri (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram proudly welcomed the Consul General of India for Bali and surrounding regions, Dr. Shashank Vikram, for the inauguration of the Bharat Corner at the IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram Library on Wednesday (18/12). The visit was held in a semi-formal setting with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Bharat Corner is a special corner established in libraries and educational institutions in various countries as an initiative to strengthen cultural ties, educational cooperation, and knowledge exchange between India and its partner countries. At IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, the Bharat Corner offers a collection of books, cultural materials, and informative resources about India that can be accessed by students, lecturers, and the academic community.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several leaders and officials within IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. The warm interaction throughout the event reflected the strong cultural connection between Indonesia and India, particularly in the fields of spirituality, culture, and education.
On this occasion, the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., expressed his appreciation for the establishment of the Bharat Corner. He highlighted that this corner will become a new learning space for students and academics to broaden their global perspective, while also supporting the campus’s efforts to strengthen international engagement and cross-cultural understanding.
During his visit, Dr. Shashank Vikram showed enthusiasm for the academic and cultural environment at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. He welcomed the presence of the Bharat Corner as a meaningful platform to introduce India’s cultural richness and knowledge traditions to the younger generation in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Library of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, I Gusti Bagus Prasada S.H.H.,M.I.Kom., emphasized that the Bharat Corner will enrich the library’s collection and create a more dynamic learning atmosphere. The corner is expected to become a favorite spot for students interested in Indian culture, philosophy, and contemporary studies.
The inauguration of the Bharat Corner marks an important step in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and India. Through this initiative, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram continues to open space for international collaboration while providing students with broader access to global knowledge and cultural diversity. (DKS)