Ina Shastri

Professor Ina Shastri is the Vice-Chancellor of Banasthali Vidyapith, where she serves as both an executive and academic leader. She completed her M.A. in Music and M.Ed. from Banasthali Vidyapith, followed by a Ph.D., and has since built a career deeply rooted in music education, psychology, and interdisciplinary research. Her scholarly contributions include over 50 national and international research papers and more than 20 books. Professor Shastri’s research ranges from the aesthetics of music to therapeutic uses of music for stress relief, even reviving traditional folk instruments. She has also supervised 50 Ph.D. scholars, showcasing her dedication to guiding new academic talent.

Professor Shastri’s impact is further recognized through numerous awards, such as the Best Citizen of India Gold Medal, the Bharat Jyoti Award, and the Mahatma Gandhi Lifetime Achievement Award. Committed to women’s empowerment and rural development, she has launched several initiatives, including khadi production units and community radio stations, which provide vocational skills to women in nearby villages. Her efforts have enriched Banasthali Vidyapith, fostering both cultural engagement and social progress within the university and its surrounding community.