Gobardhan Das, a distinguished molecular scientist and the Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, has been appointed as a member of Niti Aayog, marking a significant moment in his decades-long journey from rural hardship to national policy responsibility.
Das, who previously served as Professor and Chair at the Special Centre for Molecular Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru University, is internationally recognised for his research in immunology, infectious diseases and cell biology, particularly for his work on the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. His scientific career spans nearly three decades and includes leading research assignments at Yale University, Houston Methodist Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the National Research Foundation.
An alumnus of Visva-Bharati University, Das chose to return to India after his global research engagements to contribute to the country’s scientific and academic landscape. He went on to become a professor at JNU before assuming charge as Director of IISER Bhopal.
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Das’ life story has drawn attention for its deeply personal dimension of struggle and perseverance. Born to Hindu Dalit refugees from Bangladesh who were forced to flee persecution, he grew up in extremely challenging conditions in rural West Bengal. With his father working as a poor farmer, Das studied under street lamps during his childhood due to the lack of electricity and basic facilities.
He also endured profound personal loss, having lost 17 members of his family in riots in West Bengal — an experience that shaped his resilience and commitment to social upliftment.
Reacting to his appointment, Das wrote on X that the day marked a very important milestone in his life, thanking Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation through Niti Aayog.
He described himself as “the son of an ordinary farmer family from the Dalit class in a remote village of West Bengal”, saying that the values of hard work and struggle had been integral to his life since childhood. Das said the responsibility was not merely a position but represented the dreams and hopes of countless ordinary people like him.
He expressed his belief that improving the quality of life in remote areas and for farming and marginalised commuNities is essential for the country’s comprehensive development, and pledged to work with honesty and dedication under the Prime Minister’s guidance.
Das added that contributing, even in a small way, to the nation’s progress under the Prime Minister’s leadership was a matter of pride, and sought the blessings and cooperation of people in this new role.
His appointment is being seen as a convergence of scientific excellence and lived grassroots experience, bringing a rare blend of global research exposure and deep understanding of rural realities into India’s apex policy think tank. |
