An interview with Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode

Lakshmi: Can you tell us how your association with JNU began?
Prof Debashis: As a student in Centre of Linguistics and English during 1985-87, I just found myself in this unbelievable space from my small town habitat in West Bengal.

Lakshmi: How different do you find the atmosphere at JNU compared to other places you've studied and worked in?
Prof Debashis: My two years in JNU were the most memorable of my life. The Centre and University I studied in fostered the freedom of enquiry and gave me the courage to challenge status-quo. I was a free thinker.

Lakshmi: Do you think the time you spent here has affected you in any way? What have you taken back with you from the University?
Prof Debashis: Yes, certainly it did. The most important aspect of JNU experience was the sheer diversity and talent in the peer group. I found myself amidst a constellation of star students.

Lakshmi: What is your most memorable experience from you time here?
Prof Debashis: The classes of Prof GJV Prasad (full stop). Prof Meenakshi Mukherjee, Prof HC Narang and Prof Kapil Kapoor. I used to write a column for JNU News called Mirth and Melancholy. I had a fan following because of the column. I built a good reputation and also broke my heart.

Lakshmi: You're quite a name in the management studies world. Can you tell us a little about your motivation to get where you are?
Prof Debashis: I never really thought I would be where I am. I just enjoy every day as it comes. When I became the youngest ever academic to lead an IIM, I felt a debt of gratitude to all my teachers including those in JNU.

Lakshmi: What is your message to the current student community?
Prof Debashis: Be an original. Leave your mark in whichever way you can. Make a difference to another human being. Finally, do not sell or rent out your self respect whatever the price may be!