Prof Himanshu Chaturvedi Assumes Charge as Director of Indian Institute of Advanced Study Shimla

Prof. Himanshu Chaturvedi, former Head of the Department of History at Gorakhpur University and a distinguished historian, formally assumed charge today as Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla. After assuming office, he held a detailed introductory meeting with the Section Officers and Fellows of the Institute, during which discussions were held on the Institute’s current academic and administrative activities, future plans, and possibilities for interdisciplinary research.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Chaturvedi said, “The glorious history and intellectual tradition of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study attract scholars from across the country and the world. My priority will be to ensure that the research work here gains new recognition at the global level and that dialogue and collaboration between different disciplines are further strengthened.”

Academic and Administrative Background
Prof. Chaturvedi is currently a member of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), an autonomous organization of MoE, GoI (serving his second term). He has served as Head of the Department of History at Gorakhpur University, Director of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Research Chair, and a member of various academic committees of the university.
He has more than 37 years of teaching and research experience. He has guided 15 research works and one post-doctoral project (ICSSR). He has edited six books and published numerous research papers in national and international journals. He contributed as a member of the editorial board of “India: Mother of Democracy” (published by the National Book Trust on the occasion of G-20).

National and International Contributions
• Special research project coordinator for ICHR research “Cultural Contribution of Geeta Press”, and the Ministry of Culture’s project “Unsung National Heroes of Uttar Pradesh”.
• Played a significant role in programmes organised by ICHR on the centenary of Chauri-Chaura.
• Delivered more than 150 invited lectures across the country.
• Member of the Advisory Board of ICSSR (NRC), New Delhi, and the Board of Studies, JNU, New Delhi.
• Member of the History Curriculum Committee (UGC) under the New Education Policy (LOCF).
• Active membership in curriculum committees of various states, Research Development Committees, and Academic Councils.

Sports and Social Contributions
• Former President, Athletics Association
• Former Vice-President, Delegacy
• Former Coordinator for various hostels and entrance examinations
• Former Executive Council Member, Central Tribal University, Andhra Pradesh
• Visiting Nominee, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh

Future Plans
While assuming charge as Director, Prof. Chaturvedi stated that interdisciplinary research, global collaboration, and culture-based studies will be encouraged at IIAS. Efforts will be made to bring greater international recognition to IIAS through dialogues with scholars from India and abroad, seminars, symposiums, and research projects.