Whitworth to host Vandana Asthana for Feb. 26 lecture on India’s changing political landscape
February 23, 2015
Eastern Washington University Professor of Government Vandana Asthana will speak on “Modi’s Rise and the Remaking of India” on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth University. Asthana’s lecture is the second of five in Whitworth’s 57th annual Great Decisions Lecture Series, which brings notable speakers to campus to address important socio-political issues taking place around the world. The lectures are free and open to the public.
“We are fortunate to be able to connect with Dr. Asthana to hear an Indian perspective on significant changes in the Indian political landscape,” says Patrick Van Inwegen, Whitworth associate professor of political science.
As a professor of government at Eastern Washington University, Asthana focuses on government departments and international affairs. She has served as a consultant for the government of India and is co-author of the book Water Security in India: Hope, Despair, and Challenges of Human Development.
Asthana has been involved with policy making and evaluation at the highest levels in India, giving her a strong grasp on the inner workings of Indian politics.
“She has a fantastic wealth of experience to draw from for this lecture and will create a context for our community to better understand current affairs related to India,” Van Inwegen says. “What happens in Asia is going to shape the future of our world and we need to be more informed about the issues and events that are shaping the region.”
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Stephanee Newman, program assistant in the political science and sociology departments, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3834 or snewman@whitworth.edu.
Lucas Beechinor, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or lbeechinor@whitworth.edu.
