Asian Studies Center :: Council Awards

Global India Awards (GIA)

The Global India Awards (GIA) were created by the India Council in collaboration with the Asian Studies Center at Michigan State University in 2023 to recognize individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to cross-cultural understanding, global education, and the wellbeing of Indian people around the world. The selection criteria for the award include:

Demonstrated commitment and unselfish devotion to the well-being of the people of India and globally.
Exceptional devotion to quality education for younger generations in India and the world.
Outstanding achievement in scholarly and creative work that advances global understanding
of India.

Global Korea Awards (GKA)

The Global Korea Award (GKA) was created by the Council on Korean Studies at Michigan State University in 1995 to recognize individuals or groups who have made significant contribution of cross-cultural understanding, global education, and well-being of Korean people around the world. The selection criteria for the award include:

Demonstrated commitment and unselfish devotion to the well-beings of Korean community and global society
Significant contribution to the improvement of understanding between Korean and people around the world
Exceptional devotion to quality education for young generation in Korea and the world
Outstanding achievement in scholarly and creative work that advances global understanding of Korea in the global community

If you would like to see the previous awardees please visit the Council on Korean Studies Past Global Korea Awardees webpage.

Global India Awards 2025

The 2025 Global India Awards ceremony was held on April 12, 2025 at Michigan State University's International Center, honoring Dr. Anil Jain, University Distinguished Professor and Douglas E. Zongker Endowed Professor in Engineering for for his groundbreaking contributions to biometrics and his impact on communities in India, the U.S., and beyond. The event featured student and faculty recognitions, cultural presentations, and a festive Indian lunch.

Event Booklet

Global India Awards 2024

The 2024 Global India Awards celebrated the remarkable contributions of Professors Rajmohan Gandhi and Mohammed Ayoob to the Indian community in India, the United States, and beyond. Held on April 13, 2024, at Michigan State University, the event honored their lifelong dedication to global education, cross-cultural understanding, and public service. Professor Gandhi was recognized for his work in reconciliation and democratic rights, while Professor Ayoob was honored for his influential scholarship on international relations and political Islam. The ceremony also featured student awards, cultural presentations, and a luncheon celebrating Indian heritage.

Event Booklet

Global India Awards 2023

The inaugural Global India Awards ceremony, held on April 8, 2023, at Michigan State University, celebrated the outstanding achievements of Professor Satish Udpa, University Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at MSU, and Professor Philip A. Lutgendorf, Professor Emeritus of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Iowa. Both scholars were honored for their exceptional contributions to advancing cross-cultural understanding, global education, and scholarship related to India.

Event Booklet