Prof. Himanshu Chaturvedi, noted historian and former head of the Department of History at Gorakhpur University, has taken over as the new Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla.
After assuming charge on Thursday, Prof. Chaturvedi held an introductory meeting with Section Officers and Fellows of the Institute, where he reviewed ongoing academic and administrative activities and discussed future plans, including possibilities for interdisciplinary research.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the IIAS’s “glorious history and intellectual tradition” attract scholars from across India and abroad. “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,” he added.
Prof. Chaturvedi, who is serving his second term as a member of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), has over 37 years of teaching and research experience. He has guided 15 research works and one post-doctoral project, edited six books, and published extensively in national and international journals. He also contributed to the National Book Trust’s publication India: Mother of Democracy, released on the occasion of the G-20.
He has coordinated major research projects for ICHR and the Ministry of Culture, including studies on the cultural contribution of Geeta Press and unsung national heroes of Uttar Pradesh. He has delivered more than 150 invited lectures and served on academic bodies such as the Board of Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University and the UGC History Curriculum Committee under the New Education Policy.
His contributions extend beyond academics, having served as President of an athletics association, Vice-President of a university delegacy, and on the executive bodies of several universities, including the Central Tribal University, Andhra Pradesh.
As Director, Prof. Chaturvedi said his focus will be on strengthening interdisciplinary research, promoting culture-based studies, and expanding the Institute’s international collaborations through seminars, symposiums and research projects.