Born on 15 July 1962 at Leningrad [now Saint Petersburg], Russia [the former USSR]. Educated in Chennai at the Presidency College, both B.A. and M.A. Topper and Gold Medallist; Completed M.Phil and Ph.D in International Politics from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New-Delhi; Post-Doctorate in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Uppsala University, Sweden.
Appointed as the first woman and alumnus Vice Chancellor of India’s top University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New- Delhi. Joined on 7 February 2022 for a period of five years. Teaching and Research career spanning over three and half decades beginning with lecturer at the Goa University from 1988 and in 1991 joined the University of Pune, now Savitribai Phule Pune University. Previously Professor [since 2006] in the Department of Politics and Public-Administration holding the additional charge of Director-International Centre, since 2001-2007. Published four books and edited two. Have published several research papers and widely traveled. Completed several projects both major and minor. 30 students have completed their Ph.D under my supervision and 8 M.Phils. At present 4 students are working for their doctorate under my supervision. Was the General Secretary of the Pune University Teachers’ Association from 1996 to 2009. Was elected to University of Pune Senate and Management Council [Syndicate] 2001 to 2006]. On several Universities, board of Studies as an expert in my areas of teaching and research - International Relations, Asian Studies, Culture and Foreign Policy, Conflict, Violence and Gender. Member of several national academic and research bodies from 2015 and continue until now.
Languages Known – Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit, English. Can understand Kananda, Malayalam and Konkani.
Served as Vice- President of IPSA [2012-2015] and President [2021, December]. Member of Government of India national committees like ICSSR, ICCR, IIAS, MAKAIAS MPISS; President of India has nominated to several Central Universities as his nominee on Selection Committees. Member of Academic councils of University of Pune, and several other universities of India; as subject expert and up-gradation of syllabus; Guide and Consultant for students appearing for the Civil Services and career counseling; held positions on several academic and professional bodies Have been active in student and cultural organizations; connected with the working of a few social service institutions; founding member of two organizations working for society, New Life for India movement and Youth Forum for Gandhian Studies.
Several awards
Best All round student in Std XII - AdarshVidyalaya, Chennai.
Youth Forum For Gandhian Studies, Chennai- Woman Educator Award 2003.
Wisetex award for Women leaders in the next decade - Eduaction 2004.
Veer Savarkar Award for Education field, Pune, May 2010.
Smt. Sushma Swaraj Stree Shakti Award May 2022.
Universal Peace Federation - Ambassador of Peace Award 2022.
Deendayal Upadyaya Award - 2022.
