About

The Center for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBS) at Nalanda University is designed as a centre of excellence, providing top-notch education, research opportunities, and networking efforts. It was inspired by PM Modi’s vision. In the Bay of Bengal region, CBS intends to establish itself as a leading interdisciplinary study centre committed to cutting-edge research, education, and analysis of evidence-based public policy.

One of CBS’s core objectives is to develop applied and empirical learning programs focusing on the Bay of Bengal region. This will cater to students, researchers, and early to mid-level officials, providing them with valuable training and insights into the emerging challenges faced by the region. The curriculum will incorporate a mix of lectures, case studies, cutting-edge research methods, workshops, and discussion forums.

CBS aspires to play a crucial role in understanding the patterns and trajectories shaping the Bay of Bengal region. It endeavours to offer valuable policy insights and contribute significantly to the understanding of the region’s complexities. Beyond trade connections, the countries surrounding the Bay share deep-rooted historical ties, cultural exchanges, and civilizational interactions. CBS aims to foster research that explores and promotes sustainable practices while enhancing cultural understanding and cooperation among nations.

By embracing a holistic approach and encouraging collaboration between academia, policy-makers, and practitioners, CBS at Nalanda University intends to become a hub of knowledge, fostering positive change and progress in the region.

Research Opportunities:

The Bay of Bengal region presents numerous research opportunities. CBS intends to foster collaborations between policymakers, faculty, researchers, and students to explore key areas of linkages in the region. The focus area of research will include geo-economics, geopolitics, ecology, trade, connectivity, maritime laws, maritime history and archaeology, cross-cultural and cross-civilizational interactions, and blue economy. CBS is open to research proposals and joint collaborations on the above mentioned areas.

Outreach:

By building a research-driven community, CBS desires to create a platform where stakeholders can collaborate across different disciplines. This includes fostering discussions and joint initiatives related to cultural exchange, economic cooperation, environmental conservation, maritime regulations, and other significant aspects of the Bay of Bengal region.

By catalyzing research and facilitating knowledge-sharing, CBS aims to unlock new opportunities for the Bay of Bengal region. Through these collaborative efforts, the center strives to contribute to the region’s prosperity, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen regional cooperation.

Recent Activities:

The Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBS) marked its official inauguration on September 29, 2022, with a ceremony graced by Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

To kickstart its academic journey, CBS offered a comprehensive 3-week certificate program titled “Bay of Bengal: An Introduction”. This engaging course covered a wide array of subjects, including history, geography, geopolitics, geo-economics, environment, ecology, trade, connectivity, blue economy, maritime security, resources, cultural traditions, art, architecture, and maritime law. The program garnered significant interest, attracting scholars from diverse countries such as India, Indonesia, China, and Colombia, who successfully completed the course.

As part of its commitment to regional engagement and collaboration, CBS has initiated a series of ‘BIMSTEC Colloquiums’. These colloquiums serve as preparatory events leading up to the forthcoming BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for November 2023. The primary objective is to facilitate frank and focused discussions among key stakeholders and experts concerning critical issues in the Bay of Bengal region. By generating greater awareness about challenges and opportunities in the region, the colloquiums also aim to foster increased public participation in ongoing regional cooperation efforts.

Indeed, these colloquiums hold significant potential to contribute valuable insights to policymakers, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of regional prosperity through enhanced cooperation and collaboration. By serving as a platform for open and informed discussions among key stakeholders and experts, CBS aims to bridge the gaps between different entities and facilitate the convergence of various efforts.

Through these collaborative endeavors, CBS seeks to assume a pivotal role in promoting regional development and shared prosperity within the Bay of Bengal region. By actively engaging in research, education, and networking activities, the center endeavors to identify common challenges, explore mutual opportunities, and devise innovative solutions that can benefit all nations in the region.

Coordinator

Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy
Coordinator, Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies
Associate Professor, School of Historical Studies/International Studies

Brief Profile

Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy is an Associate Professor with an interdisciplinary background, currently affiliated with the School of Historical Studies/International Studies. He serves as the founding Coordinator of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Nalanda University.

Dr. Chaturvedy is also an Adjunct Fellow at the Institute for Australia India Engagement (IAIE) in Brisbane and an Adjunct Senior Associate Fellow at the Asian Confluence in Shillong, India. His diverse research and teaching interests span various subjects, including India’s Foreign Policy, the Bay of Bengal Region, India’s Maritime, Economic, and Business History, Maritime Security and Interconnections, South Asian History, Regional Security and Developments, China-Southern Asia Strategic Access, and Modern World History.

Dr. Chaturvedy has been a Visiting Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) in New Delhi. Additionally, he was a Research Associate at the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore. Prior to these roles, he served as the Senior Assistant Director, heading the Foreign Policy Division at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) in New Delhi. Previously, he worked with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), and Indian Pugwash Society in New Delhi.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Dr. Chaturvedy has received a number of prestigious awards, including selection as a Young Strategists Forum (YSF) Fellow in 2012 and a Global Emerging Voices (GEV) fellow in 2013. In 2009, the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Ottawa gave him the Professional Development Award. He has worked with well-known think tanks, development organizations, and business associations over the years.

Dr. Chaturvedy’s academic qualifications include a Ph.D. in South Asian Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, along with qualification in the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the University Grant Commission (UGC). Moreover, he holds the NCC (National Cadet Corps) “C” certificate from the Naval Wing and has undergone “Sea Training” with the Indian Navy.

As a public scholar, Dr. Chaturvedy has presented numerous papers at national and international forums and conferences, contributing to the body of knowledge through his publications in various areas of expertise.

Contact:
Coordinator
Centre of Bay of Bengal Studies
Nalanda University,
Rajgir, Bihar, India – 803116
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nalandauniv.edu.in/