New Delhi: In a landmark move to advance public policy education and research, Hindu College, University of Delhi, inaugurated its state-of-the-art Public Policy Lab on April 17, 2025. The event was graced by Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, as Chief Guest, and Shri Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), as Special Guest. The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries, including Prof. B. Venkatesh Kumar from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mr. Sant Sanganeria, Chairman and MD, Ultra International Ltd., Mr. Ashwin Shanker, Chairman, Hindu Education Trust, and Mr. Manish Chandra, CSR Head, IRFC.
Funded through a CSR initiative with support from IRFC and Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited (HSCL), the lab represents a bold leap forward in reimagining public policy as an interdisciplinary, practice-oriented field. It is equipped with modular workspaces, mentoring pods, a central conference zone, and advanced digital tools designed to foster design thinking, dialogue, and experiential learning.
Principal Anju Srivastava called the lab “a significant step forward in our commitment to academic excellence and progressive governance,” highlighting its alignment with the NEP’s vision of internationalization and twinning degrees. “Public policy touches every aspect of life. This lab creates space for students, scholars, civil servants, and policymakers to come together,” she said.
Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, in his address, reiterated the Indian government’s vision of making India a developed country by 2047. He stated that the USP of India is its young population, which will spearhead India’s global vision in the coming generations. He lauded the Policy Lab’s relevance in a rapidly changing world. “The skills of the past are no longer adequate for the future. Institutions like Hindu College must become the foundation of Viksit Bharat 2047. You will have the full support of NITI Aayog,” he affirmed.
Shri Manoj Kumar Dubey praised the college’s relentless pursuit of excellence, calling the lab a “torch of knowledge” that reflects the visionary ideas shaping India’s future.
Prof. B. Venkatesh Kumar expressed hope that the lab would advance evidence-based policy research and data-driven dialogue, closing the gap between research and real-world policymaking.
Currently hosting the flagship Public Policy in Action certificate program, the lab will also in the future, anchor collaborative projects, workshops, and academic partnerships. More than just a facility, it is envisioned as a vibrant hub for developing the next generation of policy professionals equipped to contribute to both national and global policy landscapes.
