Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) Chancellor Sanjeev Sanyal had on Wednesday appointed Professor Umakant Dash as the new Vice Chancellor of the institute. Dash, currently the director of Institute of Rural Management, Anand, also serves as a professor at IIT Madras and had previously taught at Universiti Utara in Malaysia. In an interview with The Indian Express, Dash talks about his appointment and future plans at the prestigious institute that has been embroiled in many controversies recently. These include the resignation of Ajit Ranade as Vice-Chancellor and removal and reinstatement of Sanjeev Sanyal as Chancellor by the Servants of India Society.What was your reaction on being appointed as the Vice Chancellor of GIPE?I’m truly honoured to be appointed as the Vice Chancellor of GIPE. For an economist, it is a privilege to be part of such an institution with a strong legacy in economics, thought, and policies. It is a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity for me.What would be your vision for the GIPE in the next two years?Of course, I have to go and sit with the faculties, students and interact with other stakeholders. But as an academician, my endeavour will be to strengthen the research, teaching consultants in collaboration with the government. Because, again, the very purpose of GIPE is certainly different from other academic institutions.We have to see the mandate that was set for the institute to work for the development of the country and policy relevance. So, basically, the first job would be to interact with all the stakeholders, understand the ground reality and then strengthen research, teaching, consultancy, in collaboration.You said that the mandate of GIPE is different from other institutions. Can you elaborate on that?It’s basically serving the society through knowledge and knowledge creation. So, when we talk about sustainability, poverty alleviation, being socially relevant, deliberating, discussing and being part of the policy development formulation that’s going to address these issues. That’s the basic objective of a research institute. It’s not just a teaching institute, but a research institute.So, therefore, we have to closely work with government, policymakers and strengthen the assessments. Understand what works, what doesn’t work, and contribute meaningfully for the development of the country.As you must know, GIPE has gone through some turbulent times recently. Are there any measures that you have in mind to bring trust back to the institute?I’m sorry, I’m not aware of what happened in the past and the dynamics. Whatever I know, I have read in the newspaper, but that’s nothing.I do not (currently have steps in mind) because we have to unpack the narrative. I need to know what is the cause, because I have not interacted with the stakeholders. And therefore, at this stage, it’s difficult for me to draw some conclusions and go with some kind of strategy. After deliberation, discussion, and understanding the ground reality, only then I would be able to take people along. My job would be to take people along and make it one of the best institutes as far as economic research, teaching and consultancy is concerned.Will you be visiting the campus soon?Yes, by the end of this month, that’s what I have committed to. So hopefully by the end of this month, I will take the responsibility.Story continues below this adDid you have any discussions with Chancellor Sanjeev Sanyal about the institute?Of course, yes, we have discussed my vision, etc. But not about the nitty-gritties. Of course, I will once I join. I will formally meet and discuss and put forth what I think and (listen to) what he thinks.Soham is a Correspondent with the Indian Express in Pune. A journalism graduate, he was a fact-checker before joining the Express. Soham currently covers education and is also interested in civic issues, health, human rights, and politics. ... Read MoreClick here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:children education