Community Involvement

We have always believed that because the Center is  part of a public university, we have an obligation to  make the fruits of our research and teaching available  to the public. To this end, the Center, from its  inception, has sponsored a distinguished lecture  series and performing arts series. These series are  described elsewhere in this journal. The establishment  of the Charles B. Wang Center gave an added boost to  our programs, and the campus calendar has numerous India-related programs. The speakers and  performers in our series are among the very best in  the Indian intellectual, artistic and cultural arena. The  Center has thus enriched the intellectual and cultural  ambience of the campus and the community.  

In 2004, the Center served as principal advisor to the  PBS documentary, Asian Indians in America, which has  been broadcast nationwide. The program features  Stony Brook, the Center, its students and faculty. 

Yet another undertaking that has received  widespread appreciation has been our India Outreach program, launched in 1995 but continued vigorously  all these years, with over 200 engagements. 

Community engagement is another feature that sets  the Mattoo Center apart from other South Asian  Studies programs. Our Outreach Program has served  local, regional, and national cultural, civic, social  service and media organizations and schools, colleges  and universities. A listing of the institutions served  and the types of programs can be found elsewhere in  the journal. In addition to schools and colleges, we  have assisted museums and public libraries; media  outlets, governments, candidates for political office,  and ethnic organizations.