IIAS Director Calls for Stronger Media Ties and Grassroots Connect
Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi outlines interdisciplinary research, digitization, and Indian Knowledge Systems as priorities in first press interaction
Shimla, September 2: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, witnessed its first media interaction under the leadership of newly appointed Director, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, on Tuesday. Meeting with representatives of the electronic and print media at the historic Rashtrapati Nivas campus, Prof. Chaturvedi laid out his vision for the Institute’s future, highlighting interdisciplinary scholarship, deeper societal engagement, and stronger media partnerships.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Chaturvedi reflected on the evolving role of knowledge in society. “Science has powerful answers, but it also has limits,” he remarked, stressing that true progress lies in dialogue across disciplines. He underscored the Institute’s commitment to enhancing interdisciplinary research, positioning IIAS as a hub where sciences, social sciences, and humanities intersect to generate new insights.
Traditions and Public Engagement
Emphasizing India’s cultural depth, Prof. Chaturvedi noted that traditions remain alive in communities and deserve greater academic attention. He stated that IIAS would work towards connecting more people with this heritage, ensuring that higher research resonates with everyday life.
The Director further committed to building stronger grassroots connections, enabling ordinary citizens to engage with the advanced scholarship taking place at the Institute. “IIAS must not remain isolated within its walls. Its vibrancy depends on how meaningfully its work connects with the public,” he observed.
Media as a Constructive Partner
Highlighting the role of media in bridging scholarship and society, Prof. Chaturvedi assured that the Institute would expand its dialogue with journalists in a constructive manner. He welcomed suggestions for more frequent interactions, emphasizing that media coverage is crucial to increasing the visibility and vibrancy of IIAS activities.
“Media can amplify the impact of scholarship by carrying the voice of the Institute to the public,” he said. Journalists present at the session acknowledged the Director’s open approach and assured support in bringing IIAS research to wider audiences.
Knowledge Systems and Digitization
Outlining his academic roadmap, Prof. Chaturvedi stressed the need to strengthen the Indian Knowledge System and develop Indian criteria to understand India. He also highlighted grassroots-level research as a priority, noting that local perspectives and experiences must inform national scholarship.
Digitization and accessibility formed another key focus of the interaction. The Director announced plans for E-library enhancement and digitization drives, aimed at making IIAS resources more widely available to researchers and institutions across the country.
Looking Ahead
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Chaturvedi expressed optimism that media would dedicate more space to IIAS activities, thereby helping expand its reach and social relevance. “Our aim is to create an institute that is academically rigorous yet socially rooted,” he said. Speaking about the Institute’s plans in the near future, Professor Chaturvedi said that on September 3 and 4, the Institute will be organizing a two-day national seminar on the theme “Modern Hindi Literature and Indianness.”
Shri Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary, IIAS and PRO Mr. Akhilesh Pathak were also present during this interaction. The interactive session reflected the beginning of a tenure marked by openness, dialogue, and vision. For the media representatives, it offered a glimpse of an IIAS poised to balance tradition with innovation, and scholarship with public engagement, under its new leadership.
