TLDR: O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has officially launched the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS) in New York City. Named in honor of the late computer scientist Professor Rajeev Motwani, the institute aims to significantly deepen academic engagement, cultural exchange, and innovation between India and the United States, backed by a substantial $5 million endowment from the Motwani Jadeja Foundation.
New York City witnessed a significant stride in international academic collaboration with the official inauguration of the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS) by O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) on July 19, 2025. This landmark initiative is poised to become a pivotal platform for fostering deeper academic engagement, cultural exchange, and innovation between India and the United States.
The institute is named in profound tribute to the late Professor Rajeev Motwani, a legendary computer scientist and Stanford University professor renowned for his mentorship of numerous innovators, including the founders of Google. His legacy in technology and innovation serves as an inspiration for the institute’s forward-looking vision.
The establishment of MJIAS was made possible through a generous endowment of USD 5 million (approximately ₹44 crore) from the Motwani Jadeja Foundation. This foundation is spearheaded by Ms. Asha Jadeja Motwani, a distinguished philanthropist and venture capitalist based in Silicon Valley, who has been a driving force behind this transformative project.
Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, underscored the institute’s importance in his address, stating, “The Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS) is not merely the establishment of a new academic institute—it is a profound affirmation of our belief that universities must serve as instruments of global transformation.” He further emphasized that the institute is “a powerful symbol of academic diplomacy that not only honours a legacy of scientific excellence but also builds intellectual bridges between nations.”
Ms. Asha Jadeja Motwani articulated her vision for the institute, expressing her commitment to cultivating ecosystems that empower changemakers. She remarked, “Through MJIAS, we are not only honoring the spirit of Rajeev, who believed in democratizing innovation and knowledge, but we are also giving life to a bold vision: to create a space where the next generation of leaders of India and the USA can question, collaborate, and co-create.” She added that the initiative reflects her belief in the power of education to shape global narratives and foster enduring partnerships, highlighting the vital need for India and the United States to invest in future scholars and leaders.
Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, the Consul General of India in New York, lauded the institute as “a timely and meaningful contribution to the India–U.S. strategic partnership,” recognizing academic institutions like MJIAS as embodiments of ‘knowledge diplomacy.’
MJIAS is designed to be a globally recognized center for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and policy engagement focused on the United States. Its core mission encompasses promoting research in US politics, law, culture, and technology; enhancing India-US academic and civil society collaboration; supporting comparative legal scholarship; and nurturing future leaders in India-US relations. Key initiatives planned include the Annual Rajeev Motwani Memorial Lecture, the Rajeev Motwani Fellowship, a Master’s Programme in American Studies, and an Annual India-US Conference. The institute will also feature a Tech-Innovation Hub and a Policy Consultation Forum, alongside various platforms for sociocultural and academic exchange.
Also Read:
- IIT Indore Introduces New B.Tech Programs in AI-Driven Healthcare and Sustainable Engineering
- Google and IIT Bombay Partner to Advance Indic Language AI Models
The inauguration event also coincided with the release of the JGU Sustainable Development Report 2025 and a Distinguished Public Lecture, further underscoring JGU’s comprehensive vision for education, diplomacy, and innovation.
