In an attempt to increase understanding between China and India scholars, the Fairbank Center for East Asian Research is sponsoring a two-year seminar comparing the countries that begins today.

Professor of Government Roderick MacFarquhar, who is organizing the project, said "the time is right" for specialists to compare the two countries--which are home to 40 percent of the world's population--in light of their rapid growth and change.

The first year's schedule consists of nine talks, three by each of three visiting professors: David Lelyveld '63 of Columbia, visiting professor of government James Manor, and visiting Indian economist Subramanian Swamy. They will examine the politics, history and economics of both countries.

Manor said he sees the seminars as a chance to compare "how traditional civilizations modernize" and adapt to industrialization. Today's meeting runs from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Seminar Room 2 of Coolidge Hall.