Ina Shastri: Leading with Purpose and Passion

Professor Ina Shastri, currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Banasthali Vidyapith, holds a pivotal role as both an executive and academic officer within the university. Having earned her M.A. in Music and M.Ed. degrees from Banasthali Vidyapith, she pursued her Ph.D. under the joint supervision of Prof. Uday Pareek and Prof. Bala Sahab Poonchwale. Her research interests span a wide range, including Music Education, Psychology of Music, Aesthetics of Music, and interdisciplinary approaches involving Music, Marketing, Physics, AI, and Technology in education.

Throughout her career, he has made significant contributions to academia, publishing over 50 national and international research papers and authoring more than 20 books. Her research projects have addressed various aspects of music, from resurrecting old folk instruments to exploring therapeutical applications for well-being and stress management. She has also supervised 50 Ph.D. theses, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Best Citizen of India Gold Medal Award for Excellence, the Bharat Jyoti Award, and the Mahatma Gandhi Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. Her versatile personality is evidenced by her success in diverse fields, such as commanding the NCC contingent at the Republic Day parade in 1986 and winning gold medals for music and dance at Inter-University Youth Festivals.

Beyond her academic pursuits, she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and rural development. She has initiated projects like khadi production units and community radio stations to provide vocational training and social empowerment opportunities to women in nearby villages. Her efforts have transformed Banasthali into a hub of cultural celebration and social progress, with events and initiatives that engage students and the local community alike.

Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the ethos of Banasthali Vidyapith and implementing initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Her strategic vision and decisive action have guided the university through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safe return of students and securing significant project funding.

As the ‘Conscious Keeper’ of Banasthali, she remains committed to preserving and promoting the comprehensive educational ideology of the Vidyapith. Under her leadership, the university has achieved national and international recognition, particularly in the fields of Music and Dance. With her mercurial leadership, Banasthali continues to thrive as a champion of education and cultural heritage, inspiring students and communities to reach their full potential.

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