In our community, we recognise networking as a crucial element of personal and professional growth. We strive to learn from experienced and knowledgeable individuals in various fields, which led us to our latest initiative—interviewing those who have made a significant impact at the University of Westminster. Today, we are delighted to introduce Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability at the University of Westminster.

A Journey into Academia

Professor Anand’s career path has been shaped by a desire to understand conflicts and complexities in an ever-evolving world. His academic foundation lies in politics and international relations, with a particular focus on conflicts and rights. Renowned internationally for his work on Tibet—an area he describes as occupied by China—his second major research area has been Islamophobia in India.

Despite his distinguished academic career, Anand describes himself as ‘anti-bureaucratic’ at heart, recalling his younger years as a student in India when he aspired to be a revolutionary—albeit a non-violent one. Academia, for him, serves as a platform to challenge ideas and create an environment where debate and dialogue replace enmity. He believes that unlike in politics, where disagreement often translates to animosity, academia can foster a space where diverse perspectives can be discussed with mutual respect. His passion lies not only in personal achievement but also in enabling systemic change by building teams and fostering collective growth.

Leadership in Higher Education

Before assuming his current role, Anand served as the Head of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Westminster. He oversaw a diverse range of disciplines, including psychology, criminology, sociology, and international relations. One of his most fulfilling experiences in this role was bringing together academics from vastly different fields and fostering a sense of unity in diversity.

Another defining moment in his leadership was helping navigate the school’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many institutions, Westminster had to adapt swiftly to remote learning. Anand recalls how platforms like Microsoft Teams, which were virtually unknown to many before 2020, became essential to maintaining student support and academic continuity.

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, one of his proudest achievements has been improving support for international students. Recognising that while the university excelled at attracting international students, its support systems could sometimes feel inconsistent. He spearheaded initiatives like the Westminster Café Series to integrate home and international students. Under his leadership, the university has begun celebrating a range of festivals that enhance inter-cultural appreciation, such as Diwali, Hanukkah, Nowruz, and Vesak, fostering a stronger sense of belonging among students. For him, collective working together is as important as labour of individuals in order to bring any durable and meaningful change.

Politics, Fear, and Nationalism

Professor Anand’s book, Hindu Nationalism and the Politics of Fear, critically examines the rise of Hindu nationalism in India. He describes growing up in a secular and pluralistic India, where, despite challenges, religious diversity was an accepted norm. However, from the 1980s onward, a political shift began to reshape India’s identity. Hindu nationalists argued that because Hindus are the demographic majority, India should be a Hindu nation. This movement, he argues, weaponises fear—portraying Muslims, Christians, secularists, and even liberal Hindus as threats to the majority.

A pivotal moment that influenced his research was the 2002 Gujarat riots, where around 2,000 people—mostly Muslims—were killed. He recalls how many otherwise liberal Hindus justified the violence, blaming the victims rather than the perpetrators. This led him to question how fear was being systematically deployed to justify violence and political control.

Drawing parallels, he highlights similar trends in other right-wing movements worldwide, including Trump’s rhetoric in the U.S. and far-right parties in the U.K. The underlying theme, he argues, is the strategic use of fear to consolidate power and marginalise dissenting voices.

The Western Imagination of Tibet

In his first book Geopolitical Exotica, Anand explores how Tibet has been romanticised in the Western imagination. In the West, Tibetans are often seen as peaceful, spiritual beings oppressed by an authoritarian China. While this perception has generated sympathy for Tibet, Anand argues that it has also reinforced an idea that Tibetans are too otherworldly to govern themselves. This stereotype, ironically, has played into China’s justification for its control over Tibet, reinforcing the narrative that Tibetans require external governance.

His research challenges these exoticised narratives and advocates for Tibetans to be recognised as active agents in shaping their own identity and political future. Over the years, he has worked closely with Tibetan scholars and students in exile to amplify their voices, ensuring that knowledge production about Tibet is not monopolised by outsiders.

The Difficult Task of Bridging Academia and Activism

Although he does not consider himself an activist, Anand sees his role as bridging academia and activism for social change. He supports peaceful movements for human rights and self-determination for what he terms ‘stateless nations’ such as Tibetans, Kashmiris, Kurds and others. Rather than engaging in direct activism, he focuses on providing academic platforms for marginalised voices. Hosting activists in academic spaces, he argues, can often be more effective in the long term.

This approach, however, is not without challenges. For instance, in discussions on contentious topics like Israel-Palestine, he has faced accusations from various sides—some label him “anti-Israel radical academic”, while others accuse him of “both sideism” or being a Zionist and pro-Israel for his criticism of Hamas and his disagreement with Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign against Israel. Despite these critiques, he remains committed to creating inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives can coexist. While his research is on conflicts, his priority as a university leader, he asserts, is ensuring that students and colleagues —whether Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim, or otherwise—feel safe as well as heard when expressing their views within the law.

As a university leader, his primary focus now is on working with others to create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive institution.

Advice to Students

Reflecting on his career, Anand wishes he had received one particular piece of advice earlier: be cautious on social media. He warns that while honesty and openness are valuable, online discourse often lacks context. A single tweet can be misinterpreted, overshadowing a person’s lifelong stance on an issue. Social media, he notes, fosters short-term memory, encouraging people to focus on isolated statements rather than the broader body of a person’s work.

For students struggling with academic pressure, he reassures them that their struggles are not unique—every generation has faced similar uncertainties. Success, he emphasises, is rarely a straight path. He encourages students to recall past challenges they have overcome, reminding them that stress is often temporary and resilience is key. Surrounding oneself with supportive people and focusing on long-term goals rather than momentary setbacks can make all the difference.

The Future of Higher Education

Anand acknowledges the rapid advancements in technology, particularly AI, but remains sceptical that it will replace the essence of education. Looking back at the past 200 years, he sees both significant change and fundamental continuity. While universities will likely become more interdisciplinary and flexible, the core principle will remain stable: there are no shortcuts to success. Education, at its best, provides a space for questioning, intellectual risk-taking, and learning from mistakes—something technology alone cannot replicate.

He also warns against complacency regarding rights and freedoms. A century ago, many people—especially women, people of colour, and those from marginalised backgrounds—had little access to academia. Today, progress has been made, but history has shown that rights can be swiftly taken away. Whether looking at the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights in parts of the U.S. or the regression of women’s rights in Afghanistan or attack on religious minorities in India, he stresses the importance of remaining vigilant and continuing to fight for inclusivity and equality.

Conclusion

Professor Dibyesh Anand is more than an academic—he is a thinker, a leader, and an advocate for global engagement. His work challenges dominant narratives, fosters inclusive discourse, and pushes for systemic change in higher education. Through his research, leadership, and commitment to social justice, he exemplifies how academia can serve as a powerful force for progress. With an international background, his successes can be inspirational to many for it indicates an openness in British Higher Education. His story is a testament to the importance of critical thinking, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge in building a better world.

Interview conducted by

Fakhria Joya, Alexander Georgy and Giulia Scarpelli

Written by 

Giulia Scarpelli and Polina Ekmen

Students at

University of Westminster