SWEDISH SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES NETWORK

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Dear Colleagues and Members of SASNET

Lund, July 10, 2007

It is no easy task to assume the place of Professor Staffan Lindberg, whose long experience in South Asian research, extensive and profound knowledge of South Asia, as well as whose never-ending enthusiasm, and sympathetic personality, are widely known. To step into his shoes as SASNET’s new coordinator and director is both demanding and challenging. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead a network that has been so lauded and successful.

When I first met Staffan many years ago and told him that I wanted to write my doctoral dissertation about working women in South India, he encouraged me greatly, but also cautioned: “If you choose to write about India instead of a country like Sweden, it is very likely it will take you at least twice as long.” He did not exaggerate. Since then I have made many trips and spent countless months in Indian archives and out in the field. This has been one of my most rewarding and stimulating “journeys.” To now embark upon the “SASNET ship” is to begin another exciting voyage in company with many colleagues in the field of South Asian Studies.

SASNET has become a well-reputed, global network, known for the utility of its webpage and its many activities. Several devoted people, such as the webmaster Lars Eklund, members of the board, the so-called strategy group, and many others are actively involved in its work. It is wonderful to have these experienced people around at a time when SASNET is facing numerous challenges. My desire is that together we can keep up the high-quality work of SASNET, and perhaps even expand our activities.

South Asia is clearly undergoing great changes. It has become a politically and economic “hot” part of our world, and we can expect to see growing interest in the area in the foreseeable future. SASNET’s demanding task is to stimulate and increase scholarly competence on South Asia in all academic fields at Swedish Universities, particularly with regard to interdisciplinary research. In order to keep our South Asia research community growing, we should first of all inspire students to carry out South Asia related work. I know that many colleagues throughout the Nordic countries are doing excellent work in this regard. SASNET should do whatever we can to assist them. In addition, our aim is also to further strengthen connections between scholars in Sweden and South Asia. The answer to this goal is extensive networking, but also organizing face-to-face meetings in workshops, seminars, and conferences. Just as in the past, we should serve as a source of information not only for academia, but also for NGOs, media, business communities, and public institutions.

Considering the limited resources that have been available in the past, it is incredible that SASNET has become such a successful organization. To a great extent it has been founded upon devotion and will power among its leadership and other key individuals. I will do my best to keep up this tradition and hope to serve as a source of ideas and encouragement. Ideas, criticism, and other input will always be welcome from members and others. I look forward to collaborating with all of you.

              Sincerely,

                         Anna Lindberg