African Studies Association of India (ASA) is an all India apex body of Indian Africanist coming from academics, media, diplomatic services, business and other professions. It is a non profit, non-governmental organization of scholars whose mandate is to ‘foster the study, knowledge and understanding of African affairs in India and Indian affairs in Africa’ through research and studies. Founded in 2004, the permanent secretariat of the Association is located at Africa Division, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. It has its regional unit at Mumbai, Patiala, Chennai and Kolkata. The Association’s particular strength is in developing multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together the expertise of researchers from the natural, social sciences and humanities on African issues, through major research projects, seminars, workshops, discussion, round table, study groups, conferences, symposia, research colloquia. These programs increase contact and develop synergies between experts who are currently scattered over many departments, institutes and colleges across India. ASA encourages flow of ideas across different disciplines, and provides a base for collaborative projects on African affairs. The Association intends to link up the various African Studies programmes and such Associations all over the world. It has a special emphasis to work as an umbrella organization for African studies scholars in Asia to promote Asian perspective on African affairs to facilitate Afro-Asian cooperation. ASA has organized several international conferences, symposium and seminars. It publishes books on African Affairs, Indo-African relations and Afro-Asian cooperation. It has a biannual journal “Africa Review”. Most of its members have post graduate degree in Social Sciences and humanities with specialization in African affairs. A good number of student members are also there who are pursuing higher studies on Africa.
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