Director’s Desk

The Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) since its inception in 1987, has remained persistent in its commitment to excellence in research, teaching and policy engagement. Established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as an advanced research institute to study development issues from a multi-disciplinary perspective, IGIDR was subsequently accorded the status of a Deemed University in 1995. Over the years, the Institute has evolved into a vibrant academic community that combines rigorous scholarship with policy relevance.

The leadership of my distinguished predecessors Prof. Kirit Parikh, late Prof. R. Radhakrishna, Prof. D. M. Nachane, and Prof. S. Mahendra Dev has been instrumental in shaping the Institute’s high academic standards. I also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, whose collective efforts have reinforced IGIDR’s growth and reputation. My mandate is to consolidate these past gains while steering the institute towards new and emerging challenges in a rapidly changing global and national context, in line with NEP-2020’s call for innovation, multidisciplinary integration, and societal relevance.

IGIDR’s research agenda is guided by a synergy of policy concerns, faculty expertise, and externally funded projects. While individual scholars retain the freedom to pursue research of their choice, there is a growing need to strengthen and diversify our thematic focus in alignment with contemporary challenges. These include globalization, geopolitical transitions, structural and cyclical factors influencing growth, and vulnerabilities arising from shocks in food, fuel, fertilizer, and financial markets. In harmony with NEP-2020’s emphasis on multidisciplinary and holistic approaches, we are also deepening inquiry into climate change, sustainability, inclusive growth, decentralized governance, human development, and gender equity.

To realize the NEP’s vision of preparing students for the 21st century, we aim to strengthen our academic programmes by revisiting curricula, pedagogical methods, and faculty incentives. Emphasis will be placed on outcome-based learning, critical thinking, experiential learning, and the integration of technology into teaching and research. Our Ph.D. and M.Sc. programmes including erstwhile M.Phil programme have consistently produced graduates who have excelled in reputed universities, research institutions, corporate organizations, and policy-making bodies underscoring the principle that academic excellence and societal relevance are mutually reinforcing goals.Looking ahead, IGIDR will continue to serve as a leading centre for advanced research, informed policy debate, and high-quality teaching. We plan to introduce new multidisciplinary programmes, foster closer collaborations with industry and government, and promote global academic partnerships. We will enhance our outreach through conferences, seminars, and distinguished lectures while nurturing an intellectually vibrant ecosystem that values innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and social responsibility.

With a strong foundation, a clear vision, and a shared commitment to academic excellence, I am confident that IGIDR will not only meet but also contribute to shape the challenges of the future, emerging as a true multidisciplinary centre of excellence.