Renowned Indologist Professor David Shulman has been awarded the prestigious Israel Prize for his breakthrough studies in fields like religion and philosophy. Prof. Shulman introduced the field of India studies to Israeli academia and the general public, acting as a sort of ambassador for Indian civilisation in Israel. Professor Shulman of Hebrew University of Jerusalem had done breakthrough studies on the religion, literature, and culture of southern India. He is an internationally renowned expert in this field, and his work is enhanced by his command of a wide range of languages, including Sanskrit, Tamil, Telegu and Malayalam.

67-year-old Shulman is known to be active in a left—wing organisation, Ta’ayush, a joint Israeli—Palestinian initiative active in the south Hebron Hills.

About the Prize

• Israel Prize is considered the country’s highest honour presented annually on Independence Day.
• It is given to those who have displayed excellence in their fields, or have contributed strongly to Israeli culture or the State.

In Israel he founded the field of India studies and most India researchers in Israel are his students. Professor Shulman has made an important contribution to research management and teaching in Israeli universities. Through his books and translations, Prof. Shulman introduced the field of India studies to Israeli academia and the general public, acting as a sort of ambassador for Indian civilisation in Israel.

Additional Info

• U.S. born Shulman won the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 1987, making him the first Israeli to be conferred with the honour.
• He is a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Sciences and a winner of the Emet Prize, awarded annually by the Prime Minister’s Office for excellence in academic and professional achievements.