OFFICIAL OPENING CENTRE FOR NON-WESTERN STUDIES

On September 27, 1993, the recently founded Research Institute
Centre of Non-Western Studies,in which 15 research clusters in
the field of non-Western Studies co-operate, was offically opened
by the Rector Magnificus of Leiden University, Professor L.
Leertouwer, during a solemn ceremony in the Groot Auditorium of
the Academy Building. In the speeches given by the director of
CNWS, Professor D.H.A. Kolff, and by the Dean of the Faculty of
Arts of Leiden University, Professor C. Fasseur, it became clear
that researchers working in the field of non-Western studies,
including Asianists, carry a big responsibility with respect to
their colleagues in the field of Western Studies who will have
to carry the burden of recent cuts in the budget of the Faculty
of Arts. Non-Western studies will not be hit by cuts in
expenditure during the next five years. Leertouwer would like to
see reciprocal prestation for this Western sacrifice. He hopes
that CNWS will develop into a respected research institute as a
pendent to SOAS on the continent: the Leiden School for Oriental
and African Studies (LSOAS). Leertouwer hopes to be present at
its opening in 1998.