Ahmedabad University has added one more feather to its hat. Renowned historian and biographer Dr Ramachandra Guha is set to join the university as Shrenik Lalbhai Chair Professor of Humanities, and Director of the Gandhi Winter School at the University's School of Arts and Sciences.
The university is on the spree of a major recruitment drive with an aim to create a rich pool of academicians. Few months ago, it had roped in the country's leading economist, C Rangarajan.
Guha will help imagine a curriculum that lies at the intersection of history and other streams in Humanities, as well as explore how history can enrich diverse disciplines, spanning technology, business and even specialisations such as life-sciences, heritage management or environment and energy.
Speaking on the same, professor Guha said, "Ahmedabad has a great tradition of public-spirited philanthropy in the sphere of higher education. I am impressed by the University's inter-disciplinary approach, its mix of sagacious older and superb younger faculty, and its visionary leadership. And I have known and loved Ahmedabad ever since my first visit there forty years ago, to now return, to teach and work in the city where Mahatma Gandhi made his home and nurtured the freedom movement, excites me beyond measure."
Confirming the appointment, Pankaj Chandra, vice-chancellor, Ahmedabad University, said, "We are delighted that Ram Guha will be part of the evolving story of our University as we establish new standards in Indian higher education. With the interest in liberal education gaining impetus in India, Dr Guha will bring his interpretation of history including environmental, political, contemporary and even cricket history to develop interesting and powerful programmes and research that stand at the confluence of various disciplines. Equally important, his presence will help the university build our own dialogue around Gandhi."
Dr Guha has rich teaching experience that includes stints at the universities of Yale and Stanford.
