This grant was given for the purpose of promoting multiculturalism worldwide.

Samvad India Foundation is a non-profit, Public Charitable Trust incorporated in New Delhi. Samvad is a Sanskrit word which is now a part of the vocabulary of most modern Indian languages. Its meanings include: speaking together, conversation, dialogue, colloquy; discussion and debate; communication of tidings; information, news; assent, agreement; concurrence; similarity, and correspondence. The objects for which the Trust is established include education, relief of the poor, medical relief and advancement of any other charitable objects of general public utility not involving the carrying on of any activity for profit.

Some projects which the grant helped to fund are as follows:

• Evam journal: Forum on Indian Representations welcomes research papers, essays, articles, interviews, notes, reviews, and other publishable material that will enhance the study or understanding of India both as an actual place and as an accumulation of ideas. Given the plurality and heterogeneity of India, Evam is alert and open not only to a variety of topics but also to a diversity of perspectives and methodologies. Both critical and creative writing is welcome, though the latter must specifically have as its theme or subject some aspect of India. Evam endeavours to facilitate and encourage new knowledge about India by promoting writing that discovers or recovers new ground and does so in ways that are vitally unusual or exciting. Ideally, each essay is expected to consider a well-defined issue or question, explore it purposefully, and clearly elucidate consequences or implications of such an inquiry. Each contribution, by its passion and/or lucidity, is also expected to engage an interested international audience.
• The "Raja Rao Award" was instituted to honour and recognize writers (including scholars and critics) who have made an "Outstanding Contribution to the Literature of the South Asian Diaspora." Raja Rao, one of the greatest living writers of our times, has very kindly consented to the Award being named after him. The Award may be given to writers whose contribution is significant but who may not necessarily be international celebrities or who may not have won major literary awards.