The ‘Centre for Australian and New Zealand Studies’ established in 2007 has been conceived with a purpose to build corpus of academic works on Australia and New Zealand. It also aims at holistic understanding of these countries by bringing the academics of these countries together. The Centre has been working vigorously for a better comprehension of the countries by organizing collaborative academic programmes and also emphasizing on cultural connectivity. It has actively organized International / National Seminars, Workshops, Extension Lectures and various other activities.

Himachal Pradesh University is one of the 6 universities of India to host Asia Link Residencies as well as Visiting Fellows and Writers-in-Residence from India, Australia and New Zealand. Professor Pankaj K. Singh, Founder Director of the Centre was conferred with Australia-India Council Special Award (AICSA) 2008 in recognition and appreciation for her contribution in building up educational links between India and Australia at Australian High Commission, New Delhi. Since 2015 Professor Neelima Kanwar is the Director and is leaving no stone unturned for the upliftment of the Centre.

A yearly Journal named Indian Journal of Australian Studies is being published every year since 2008. Research at M.Phil. and Ph.D. level is being pursued by the research scholars on Australian and New Zealand studies.

The University aims to develop this Centre as a unique institution not only within Himachal Pradesh University but also in the entire country. I am confident that the Centre will continue to strive for excellence in all the activities and scale great heights in times to come.

(Prof. Sat Parkash Bansal)

Vice Chancellor

Himachal Pradesh University