Who is who
India House Leuven works together with a number of people who work and think together with us to make India House a reality. They happily share their experience and knowledge about India with us. We proudly introduce them to you:
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Mayor Mohamed Ridouani Mayor Mohamed Ridouani was born and raised in Leuven, is married and father of two sons. After studying business administration and international relations, he worked as a business consultant for several years. In 2018 Mohamed exchanged business for the office of alderman in his city. After his second term as alderman he became Mayor of the City of Leuven Working with various actors characterizes the policy of Mohamed Ridouani. He created a unique and comprehensive cooperation with the Leuven business world , the university and civil society to realize the ambition to become the first carbon neutral city in Flanders by 2030. In the field of education he works on several projects on equal opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people. Moreover, Mohamed is the initiator of the International School of Leuven which seeks to address the need for schooling for children of foreign scientists and researchers residing for several years in Leuven. In addition Mohamed is a key driver behind Leuven MindGate: a triple helix organization comprising Companies, Knowlegdge Institutes and Local Government. Mohamed Ridouani has been to India sees India House Leuven as a bridge, forming a platform for intense cooperation with India in the economic, cultural and scientific spheres. |
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Idesbald Goddeeris (°1972) has studied Slavonic studies and history and teaches, amongst other courses, “History of Modern India” and “Global Perspectives on Contemporary India” at the University of Leuven. He also coordinates the Leuven India Focus and the India Experts group. Goddeeris is co-author of “Een geschiedenis van India. Ontmoetingen op wereldschaal” (Acco 2010) and is the editor of “Het wiel van Ashoka. Belgisch-Indiase contacten in historisch perspectief” (University Press Leuven 2013). He has taught in Delhi (University of Delhi & JNU), Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Calcutta. More info:
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Geert Robberechts (°1963, Leuven – Belgium) has been trained as an art historian / musicologist at the university of his home town. After some years as a teacher and journalist, he became responsible for the communication of the music section of the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Brussels). At the same time, he was engaged by the event agency ARTEDON (Brussels) to lead the musical projects. From 1994, he is the manager of the baroque orchestra La Petite Bande (Sigiswald Kuijken). In 2004, he founded the Belgian Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage). From 2004 till 2018 he served as the president of the Advisory Council for Culture of the City of Leuven. More info:
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Prakash Goossens is Belgian by adoption and of Indian origin. He has studied law and international politics at the KU Brussel, KU Leuven, Université Robert Schuman Strasbourg and Université Catholique de Louvain. He is passionate about the cultural encounter / confrontation Belgium-India and this has become the leitmotif of his professional life. He works as an ambassador of Fracarita International (NGO Congregation Brothers of Charity) and he regularly frequents his native country India . More info:
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After a career of 21 years at AB-Inbev in marketing and afterwards as commercial director for Belgium, Peter joined Voka- Chamber of Commerce Leuven where has been director since several years. India is an important country for SME's in our region to set up international trade relations. The Chamber wants to support this and that is why we like to strengthen the involvement of companies within India House Leuven. More info:
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The department economy and trade of the city of Leuven is responsible for the implementation of the economic policy of the city of Leuven. One of the important policy choices that the city council has made is to create a long-term structural network with India and Indian partners from an economic perspective. From this perspective, the city has taken the initiative to create and develop India House Leuven. More info:
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Abhishek Dutta Born in Calcutta, Abhishek Dutta studied Chemical Engineering for Bachelor’s and Food and Biochemical Engineering for Masters’ both from India, before moving to Belgium to pursue his Doctoral study in Chemical Engineering at the University of Ghent. After more than a year of postdoctoral research, Abhishek is presently a full time Lector (voltijds gastdocent) in KU Leuven in Campus Groep T Leuven, teaching and researching in areas related to Material Technology. Abhishek loves reading has an active interest in epistemology as well as in Indian political history.
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