On 15 November 2008 Mahatma Gandhi Indology Centre at the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies (TSIOS) and Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture (LBSCIC), Tashkent organized a Conference of Young Indologists of Uzbekistan devoted to the Year of Youth. The venue of the Conference was Mahatma Gandhi Indology Centre of TSIOS, Indian Embassy in Uzbekistan said in a press-release.

The Conference was inaugurated with the welcome words by Dr. A. Kamilov, Pro-Rector of TSIOS. Mr. K.D. Dewal, Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of India, commended the work of TSIOS in the last 60 years in the Indian studies and conveyed gratitude on behalf of Embassy of India as well as the Government of India. Mr. Dewal also made an informative Presentation with a comprehensive and panoramic view of India, its past, present and the future prospects.

About 50 young scholars from various universities and institutions of higher learning of Tashkent as well as other parts of Uzbekistan, including from the universities of Andijan and Urgench participated in the Conference.

The conference was in keeping with the Uzbek tradition of nurturing young scholars and experts, promoting area studies and fostering international cooperation through academic research and interaction.

The work of the Conference was divided into three sessions dealing with 1.Literature, 2.Philosophy, History & Economy, and 3.Culture, Arts & Sociology.

The papers presented by young scholars/Indologists reflected their keen observation, breadth of interest and depth of understanding of various aspects of India both historical as well as contemporary.

At conclusion, Mr.Bhargav Mitra, Second Secretary at the Indian Embassy made a presentation on Indian films and places of tourist interest in India.

Prof. Azad Shamatov, Chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Indology Centre, delivered valedictory speech and thanked the young scholars and participants on behalf of TSIOS.

As a gesture of recognition and encouragement to the young scholars, prizes and souvenirs were distributed to the participants on behalf of the Indian Embassy and the LBSCIC.