The Center for Asian Democracy and the Institute for Democracy and Development hosted the 2nd Annual meeting of the Kentucky Asian Studies Association on Saturday October 6th, 2007.  Nearly 50 people were in attendance to listen to the Panel discussions about University efforts to extend Asian Studies and pre-college efforts to familiarize students with Asian languages and culture.  The conference was intended to provide University faculty with a forum to discuss both successes and challenges they have faced when introducing students to Asian Studies.  Helen Lang, founder of the Crane House said, “I left feeling very good about what U of L has done in expanding Asian Studies, and what the independent schools and JCPS are doing and the challenges they face...It is a perfect example of working together, and Crane House feels honored to be a part of that.”

Faculty Affiliate and Professor of History at the University of Louisville, Dr. John McLeod announced that U of L will be offering a new Asian Studies minor and gave a brief description of the program during the second Panel.  Helen Lang said, “I've waited since 1960 for this to happen at U of L.”  The meeting concluded with a keynote speech from Dr. Sumit Ganguly, from Indiana University and one of the country’s leading experts on the democratic developments within India.  Dr. Ganguly discussed some of the recent reform efforts the Indian government has made along with the challenges the country faces in instituting democratic principles.