A Continuation of the Relationship Between the Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies and Ewing Christian College

The Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies is today the product of an audacious academic endeavor—an endeavor made possible through philanthropic foresight from The Society of Saint Bartholomew. This decades-old, ecumenical fraternity has, for South Asia’s sake, championed the cause for academic freedom, interfaith dialogue, and the exchange of ideas in an unassailable, unassuming fashion and intentionality over the years. Thus, the Society has been integral from the foundations up, unofficially but in an intimate fashion, attached to Ewing Christian College, a historically renowned institution of academic achievement, cultural contribution, and ethical learning processes.

For while the Sundar Singh Institute functions independently as an institute of inquiry and research, its highest esteemed academic collaboration is with Ewing Christian College. They are not necessarily geographically or structurally connected; yet they function as one in spirit and intent. They are connected through great esteem and devoted scholarly efforts. This is a partnership contingent upon the gifting worthy of the union through scholarship for the betterment of the common good.

Therefore, in this scholarly supportive environment, the Institute serves as an advisor and provider for research opportunities, consultancy, and scholarships available to all enrolled in the College’s jurisdiction. In turn, this guarantees that all endeavors requiring research by students can be facilitated by experts from the Institute. Such a partnership is the mechanism for ideal union without bureaucracy for growth and increased scholarship beyond institutional boundaries.

Such a partnership has led to a significant academic contribution with the blending of endeavors, the undergraduate teaching approach from the College with the innovative research distinction from the Institute. Everything from co-authored articles, joint efforts, seminar themes and stretches (ancient prophets, transcultural literacy), student/faculty mentoring on expansive levels, credit without grades to lecture series from transitive visitors are part of the connection.
Yet more than anything, this partnership represents a mutual understanding that the highest form of scholarship will forever be bound to scholarship. The life of the mind in its highest form goes beyond the anticipated corners of disciplinary expertise and instead engages with the socio-political realities of the time.

With The Society of Saint Bartholomew’s continuing unwavering support, the Sundar Singh Institute and Ewing Christian College have and continue to raise a new generation of socially responsible scholars—those who are not just educated but possess moral and ethical sensibilities to appropriately utilize what they know for humanitarian and socio-just efforts.

Therefore, with this continued collaboration, the Institute and the College are always positioned to render a wholly unique contribution to the community—empowered perspectives that think critically, ethically, and possess the know-how to approach other educated minds with a spirit of educated purpose.