The Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur (HNLU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Law, Texas A&M University to begin a comprehensive academic partnership.
The MoU lays the foundation for student and faculty exchanges, collaborative teaching, joint research initiatives and the development of innovative academic programs.
The MoU was officially signed by Vice-Chancellor of HNLU, Prof (Dr.) VC Vivekanandan, and Associate Vice President for Global Engagement at Texas A&M University, Dr Holly Hudson.
Commenting on the development, Prof Vivekanandan said,
"This collaboration with Texas A&M University is a significant milestone for HNLU. It aligns with our mission to provide global exposure to our students and faculty through initiatives like Hidayatullah Exchange Academy (HEXA) and Hidayatullah Visiting International Scholars Academy (H-VISA). We look forward to fruitful exchanges and joint ventures in teaching and research."
Director of International Programs and Distinguished Jurist Professor at HNLU, Prof Srividya Ragavan added,
“We are thrilled to partner with HNLU. This agreement lays the foundation for meaningful student and faculty exchanges, collaborative teaching, and groundbreaking research initiatives. We eagerly anticipate welcoming HNLU students to Texas A&M and vice versa.”
Key Focus Areas of the MoU
1. Faculty Exchange for Joint Teaching and Research: Promoting collaboration between faculty members of both institutions to enhance academic and research excellence.
2. Student Enrolment: Facilitating cultural and educational exchange by encouraging students to enrol in programs at both universities.
3. Future Agreements: Establishing a detailed Memorandum of Agreement to expand and deepen the scope of collaboration.
HNLU is also in advanced negotiations to finalize similar agreements with other universities, with announcements expected in early 2025.
Established in 2003, HNLU is the sixth national law university in India and is named after the eminent jurist, elected Vice President of India and former Chief Justice of India, Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah.
The university is situated in a 70-acre campus in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Under the leadership of its Vice Chancellor, and President of the Consortium of National Law Universities, Prof (Dr.) VC Vivekanandan, HNLU established the Hidayatullah Exchange Academy (HEXA) in 2022 and welcomed international scholars for teaching and research engagement through the Hidayatullah Visiting International Scholars Academy (H-VISA) in 2025.
The Texas A&M University was founded in 1876 as the first public institution of higher education in Texas. With campuses in Galveston, Texas, and Doha, Qatar, the university offers over 140 undergraduate, 170 master's, 94 doctoral and 5 professional degree programs. The School of Law is headed by Dean, G Buzbee Endowed Dean's Chair, Prof. Robert 'Bobby' Ahdieh.