For the good of mankind

After Independence, the edifice of colonial magnificence - vice-regal lodge, Shimla was renamed as the Rashtrapati Niwas but it was seldom used.
In 1964, it was converted into an institute for high standards of learning known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study under S Radhakrishnan and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision.
The IIAS was registered under the Registration of Society’s Act of 1860.The objective behind initiating the institute was to provide an environment suitable for academic research in social and natural sciences.
This was the country’s first institute for multi-disciplinary studies and being residential it promoted interchange of ideas, methodologies and techniques between scholars from varied disciplines.
IIAS is a residential centre for ‘free and creative inquiry into fundamental themes and problems of life and thought.’ Famous personalities from diverse fields of arts, literature, religion, philosophy, education, culture, and environment have pursued academic research here. Film personality Gulzar, writers Krishna Sobti, Bhisham Sahni, Giriraj Kishore are some of the well-known alumni of this institute.
During the course of time many changes were introduced at the institute, but it never lost sight of its main aim of promoting creative thought in areas, which are of deep human significance and national relevance.
In 1991, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the University Grants Commission (UGC), and since then the IIAS is acting as an inter-university centre for humanities and social sciences, on behalf of UGC.
As a result of this MOU, a team project has been evolved on socio-religious movements and cultural networks in Indian civilisations.
The institute is open to scholars who have something to contribute for the betterment of mankind. Applications are invited in December-January and there is no age limit for applying.
The doctoral thesis is submitted to the governing body by April. The projects are finalised with mutual consultation of the governing body and the candidates. Every year on an average 40 fellows are selected.
The project can be for a period of three months or two years extendable to three years. The fellowship is Rs 10,000 monthly. It is a self-guided research institute with no teaching faculty.
Each scholar submits results of research in writing and the books become a part of the rich heritage of the library. As part of the curriculum regular seminars and study weeks are conducted. Under UGC projects, teaching faculties of universities, and colleges visit the centre for one to three months.