Rohini Pande in the Deccan Herald

By R Krishnakumar

Rohini Pande's research has consistently drawn on the State-citizen relationship in the context of public policy and implementation. The Henry J Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Centre at Yale University has, in her more recent work, studied regulatory frameworks in climate action and citizen empowerment in ensuring greater accountability from governments. In Bengaluru to receive the 14th Infosys Prize under the Social Sciences category, she spoke with DH’s R Krishnakumar about the future of India’s democratic institutions, its social and economic imbalances, and its women in academia.

What does the Infosys Prize mean to you and for Indians looking at careers in the social sciences?

I’m deeply honoured to receive the prize. I grew up in India, and I work on India, so this is very special. I’m only part of the work that I do in collaboration with many others. I’m grateful that their research, which involved a lot of data collection, is also being recognised. In a meritocratic system, you would hope that there is no need for awards—why do we pick out one person when so many others are doing good work?

Read more at the Deccan Herald