The Asian University for Women (AUW) Library had the pleasure of welcoming a group of four distinguished delegates from Kokorozashi Japan Ltd. on August 3, who made a generous contribution of 250 Japanese books to the library’s collection. The delegation was led by Mr. Kunaiki Okabayashi, Chairman of Kokorozashi Japan Ltd., whose leadership and vision reflect a deep commitment to promoting global education and cultural understanding. During their visit, the delegates toured various sections of the AUW Library, taking time to learn about its resources, digital initiatives, and the ways it supports students and faculty in their academic journey. They expressed heartfelt appreciation for AUW’s mission of empowering women through quality education and leadership development, acknowledging the university’s significant impact across Asia and beyond. The 250 donated books, written in Japanese, cover a wide range of subjects including literature, history, language, and culture. These valuable additions will be carefully preserved and proudly displayed in a newly dedicated Japanese Section within the AUW Library. This special section will serve as a gateway for students interested in exploring Japan’s rich heritage, linguistic beauty, and cultural traditions. The donation stands as a meaningful symbol of the growing friendship and cultural exchange between AUW and the Japanese community.

His Excellency High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh has visited AUW’s campus in Chittagong several times. In encouraging more Indian nationals to take advantage of the excellent educational opportunities offered at AUW, His Excellency High Commissioner Doraiswami commented: The Asian University for Women is a unique and pioneering project that is as outstanding as it is inspiring. It is developed in the simple but effective concept of giving every deserving young woman a chance to break out of both the age-old shackles of patriarchy and social constraints as well as the restrictions of cost and access that are the limitations of our modern age. I have had the good fortune to see the transformative impact that this University has exercised upon so many brilliant and committed young women, in a brief period of around a decade, and I have no hesitation in saying that this is a project that deserves our fullest attention and support. For us in India, the project delivers on the very goals that our Government has itself adopted, of “beti bachao, beti padhao”–save a girl, educate a girl–that has been instrumental in sparking a remarkable evolution in our approach to empowerment of women. I have no hesitation in inviting attention and consideration for this University, its faculty, and above all, its remarkable group of resilient and committed young women, who deserve the best that life can offer them.

The first meeting of the AUW Reading Group took place on Saturday, February 11, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Sun Valley campus, marking a delightful beginning to this new literary initiative. The gathering brought together a vibrant mix of students, faculty, and staff, all united by their shared passion for books, ideas, and meaningful discussions. The inaugural session introduced the group’s first selected book, A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam, a powerful novel set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The event began with a screening of an insightful interview with the author, offering participants a deeper perspective on her inspirations and writing process. The session was led by Simon Clarke, who guided the discussion with warmth and enthusiasm. Faculty member Muhammed Rukan Uddin shared thoughtful reflections on the novel, highlighting its central themes, historical context, and emotional depth. His remarks encouraged participants to think critically about the narrative and its relevance to contemporary society. To help readers continue their literary journey, copies of the book were made available for borrowing from the AUW Library. This gesture allowed participants to further explore the story and engage in ongoing reflections beyond the session.