O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has announced the establishment of the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS), backed by a landmark endowment of USD 5 million (approximately ₹44 crore) from US-based philanthropist, venture capitalist, and entrepreneur Asha Jadeja Motwani and the Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation.
Named in honour of the late Professor Rajeev Motwani, the renowned Stanford computer scientist who mentored the founders of Google and numerous other innovators, MJIAS will serve as a tribute to his legacy and a platform to advance education, innovation, and India-US cooperation.
“This initiative reflects my belief in the power of education to shape global narratives and foster enduring partnerships,” said Motwani. “It is vital for India and the United States to invest in the next generation of scholars and leaders who can build bridges of understanding and collaboration.”
MJIAS aims to become a globally recognised centre for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and policy engagement focused on the United States. Its mission includes promoting research in US politics, law, culture, and technology; enhancing India-US academic and civil society collaboration; supporting comparative legal scholarship; and fostering future leaders in India-US relations.
Key initiatives under MJIAS 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 host a Tech-Innovation Hub, a Policy Consultation Forum, and various platforms to promote sociocultural and academic exchange.
Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, founding vice chancellor of JGU and president of MJIAS, called the endowment “a defining moment” for the university. “This generous gift by Asha Jadeja Motwani will help build a powerful bridge between India and the United States,” he said.
JGU, founded through the philanthropy of Naveen Jindal, continues to expand its global vision through strategic partnerships and thought leadership in higher education.
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