◾Launch of book titled “Irish Days: Indian Memories, V.V Giri and Indian Law Students at University College Dublin. 1913-16” written by Dr. Conor Mulvagh
◾An honorary award to Dr. Mohini Giri, a social worker and activist, Chairperson of the Guild of Service and daughter-in-law of V. V. Giri, former President of India
◾Naming ceremony of University College Dublin Sutherland School of Law gallery on the memory of a distinguished former student, V.V. Giri, fourth president of India
Bangalore, 9th May 2016: “University College of Dublin” (UCD), Ireland’s global university founded 160 years ago and one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities hosted a Reception to facilitate Alumni living and working in India and to welcome students for 2016-17. The evening of May 7th, was jointly hosted by the University College Dublin and H. E. Brian McElduff, Ambassador of Ireland to India at his residence today.
At the evening, University College Dublin announced seven Indian students who have been selected for V.V Giri Global Excellence100% Scholarships. Dr. Mohini Giri, a social worker and activist, Chairperson of the Guild of Service and daughter-in-law of former President of India Mr. V. V. Giri, was bestowed with an honorary award by University College Dublin President, Professor Andrew J. Deeks.
On this occasion H. E. Dr. Brian McElduff, Ambassador of Ireland said, “We take pride in the innovative and entrepreneurial culture in Ireland and are happy that globally the youth are beginning to reap this for the betterment of their own lives. Education in Ireland welcomes the new students from India wishing them the best for their bright future. I am sure that every student’s intellectual curiosity will be fulfilled in Ireland and that they will learn to be a global citizen”.
Also, Dr. Conor Mulvagh, lecturer in the UCD School of History and UCD graduate launched his book entitled “Irish Days: Indian Memories, V.V Giri and Indian Law Students” in the Indian market which offers a unique insight into the surprising and fascinating aspect of Dublin’s political and student life from 1913 to the end of the turbulent year that was 1916 witnessed and participated by V. V. Giri, President of India (1969-74) and his fellow Indian law students at King’s Inns and University College Dublin.
On the launch of the book, Dr. Conor said, “it is not just the unveiling of this book, but also a sneak peek into the journey that was witnessed by V. V. Giri and his fellow students during 19th Century’s political uproar.”
University College Dublin President, Professor Andrew J. Deeks present at the reception said, “It feels great to interact with so many bright Indian students at the Alumni reception and it is just not about logistical information but also helping future students set realistic expectations and goals. We are glad that the Irish Institutes have been so well received in India. With the students’ experiences, we look forward to learning how Ireland has served to enhance the careers of these rising stars.”
The evening concluded with an announcement about the recent gallery naming ceremony hosted by UCD Sutherland School of Law, honoring the memory of V.V. Giri, a distinguished former student. That ceremony was hosted by Professor Andrew Deeks, President of UCD, with guests that included V. V. Giri’s grandson, Mr Amba Preetham Parigi, Former Cabinet Minister Mr. Salman Khurshid and the Indian Ambassador, Her Excellency Ms. Radhika Lal Lokesh.
About Enterprise Ireland:
Enterprise Ireland is the government organization responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. We work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales on global markets. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth, regional development and secure employment. Enterprise Ireland is responsible for the Education in Ireland brand which promote the international marketing and promotion of Irish Higher Education Institutions.
About University College Dublin:
University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s Global University. Established in 1854 UCD is Ireland’s largest and most international university. There are over 30,000 students including 6,000 international students from 127 countries studying in UCD. A public, government-funded institution UCD receives the highest levels of research funding in the country and is ranked within the top 1% of world universities.
About the book: Irish Days, Indian Memories offers a unique insight into the surprising and fascinating aspect of Dublin’s political and student life from 1913 to the end of the turbulent year that was 1916. V. V. Giri, President of India (1969-74) and his fellow Indian law students at King’s Inns and University College Dublin, witnessed and participated in the events of these dramatic years. Author Conor Mulvagh has revealed their regular contact with Gandhi during that time and his moderating influence on many of the more politically radical Indians. The book sheds new light too on the killing of newspaper editor Thomas Dickson, one of the most infamous atrocities of the Rising – revealing how his attacks on Indian students played a central role in his downfall. Their proximity and involvement in events from Lockout, to WWI and Easter 1916 would influence and mark these Indian graduates contribution to their own country’s evolution and ultimate independence.