In his first official media interaction as Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi laid out a visionary roadmap for the Institute’s future, calling for deeper interdisciplinary research, stronger grassroots engagement, and constructive partnerships with the media. The press meet took place at the historic Rashtrapati Nivas campus, marking a new chapter for the esteemed institution.
Addressing members of the print and electronic media, Prof. Chaturvedi highlighted the evolving role of knowledge in society, noting that while science provides important answers, its limitations demand a dialogue across disciplines. He emphasized IIAS’s role as a platform where sciences, social sciences, and humanities intersect to foster innovative, inclusive scholarship. “True progress lies in interdisciplinary understanding,” he remarked, reinforcing IIAS’s commitment to bridging academic silos
Underscoring the importance of cultural continuity, Prof. Chaturvedi spoke about the need to reconnect academic research with India’s living traditions. He emphasized that communities continue to carry forward rich cultural legacies and that these should inform contemporary scholarship. “IIAS must not remain isolated within its walls. Its vibrancy depends on how meaningfully its work connects with the public,” he stated, outlining plans to bring advanced research closer to grassroots realities.
Recognizing the vital role media plays in shaping public discourse, Prof. Chaturvedi extended an open invitation to journalists for sustained engagement. He emphasized the media’s potential in amplifying IIAS’s voice and research output, saying, “Media can amplify the impact of scholarship by carrying the voice of the Institute to the public.” Journalists present appreciated the Director’s transparent approach and expressed their support in enhancing the Institute’s visibility.
A significant highlight of the interaction was Prof. Chaturvedi’s focus on Indian Knowledge Systems. He called for the development of uniquely Indian frameworks for understanding the nation’s intellectual and cultural identity. He also prioritized grassroots-level research, advocating for local voices and perspectives in national scholarship. Additionally, the Director announced plans for digitizing IIAS resources and upgrading its E-library, aimed at improving accessibility for researchers across India.
Concluding the session, Prof. Chaturvedi reiterated his commitment to making IIAS a center for rigorous yet socially relevant scholarship. He expressed hope that the media would play a key role in expanding the Institute’s reach. As a first step in this direction, he announced a two-day national seminar on “Modern Hindi Literature and Indianness,” scheduled for September 3–4. The session was also attended by IIAS Secretary Mehar Chand Negi and Public Relations Officer Akhilesh Pathak, setting the tone for a tenure defined by openness, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership.
