Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Study

Specialization in knowledge and work will have to continue, but it seems more essential than ever that a synthetic view of human life and man's adventure through the ages should be encouraged. This view will have to take into consideration the past and the present, and include in its scope all countries and peoples. In this way perhaps we might develop, in addition to our own national backgrounds and cultures, an appreciation of others and a capacity to understand and cooperate with the peoples of other countries….We might become, in Plato's words, `spectators of all time and all being', drawing sustenance from the rich treasures that humanity has accumulated, adding to them, and applying them in building for the future.

Jawaharlal Nehru: The Discovery of India

The idea of setting up the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Study (JNIAS) was floated a few years ago. The attempt was to create, perhaps for the first time in India, such an institute as part of a university. Like all pioneering attempts this too has faced several initial teething problems. However, some progress has been made though we still have a long way to go. Basically starting from January 2008 we have had fifty six fellows from all over the world come to the Institute for varying periods of time; twenty others were selected who would be joining from April 2010 onwards. A list of the scholars and their research interests can be seen in the page 'Scholars Invited'.

The Fellows are selected by the JNIAS. The JNIAS is critically dependent on the support of the JNU academic community and the alumni of the JNIAS in identifying and attracting fellows who would meet the objectives of the Institute.

The JNIAS has also collaborated in organizing a number of workshops and seminars.

The current Director of The JNIAS is Professor Aditya Mukherjee (more about).