Late Prof. Dr. Pankaj K. Jha: A Tribute to a Visionary Scholar and Academician

With profound respect and heartfelt reverence, we dedicate this tribute to the memory of Late Prof. Dr. Pankaj K. Jha, the Founding Director of the Centre for Security and Strategy Studies (CeSCube), whose unparalleled intellect, dedication, and contributions to the realm of national security and strategy studies continue to inspire generations.

Prof. Jha's illustrious career spanned decades, marked by an unwavering commitment to advancing India's strategic interests and fostering intellectual growth. As Associate Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) from 2005 to 2011, he made significant contributions to defence and security discourses. He worked as s Research Fellow with ICWA from 2011 to 2012. His role as Deputy Director at the National Security Council Secretariat (2012-2013) of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) underscored his involvement in shaping India's national security apparatus. Furthermore, his tenure as Director of Research at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) from 2014 to 2017 was characterized by groundbreaking publications and the cultivation of a vibrant scholarly community.

Prof. Jha joined Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA), O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) in 2017 as Assistant Professor. In the subsequent years, he served as Professor and Associate Dean (Research) at JSIA and established the Centre for Security Studies (CSS), which has since been renamed the Pankaj Kumar Jha Centre for Security Studies (PKJ-CSS) in his honour. Under his visionary leadership, PKJ-CSS became a hub for cutting-edge research, producing numerous monographs, briefs, and high-impact publications that influenced policymakers and academics alike.

A global scholar, Prof. Jha's expertise was sought after by leading institutions worldwide. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Centre for International Security Studies, Sydney University (2009), and the Institute for South Asian Studies, Singapore (2006). He participated in high-level dialogues and delivered lectures in the USA, Russia, Germany, Belgium, Israel, China, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia etc., enhancing India's intellectual footprint on the global stage.

His literary contributions were prolific, with over 80 articles in refereed and non-refereed journals and two seminal books: India and China in Southeast Asia: Competition or Cooperation (2013) and India and the Oceania: Exploring Vistas of Cooperation (2016). His posthumously published book, Emerging Digital Technologies and India’s Security Sector: AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Communications, was released in 2024 by Routledge. His insights were regularly featured in prestigious international publications, including Nikkei Asian Review, South China Morning Post, Bangkok Post, Gulf News etc.

Prof. Jha's dedication to mentoring young scholars was unmatched. At JSIA, he singlehandedly edited the Jindal Journal of International Affairs and played a pivotal role in PhD admissions and administration. For many, he was not just a mentor but a fatherly figure who guided them through challenges and celebrated their successes as his own. His jolly and witty nature left a permanent imprint on everyone he met, transforming interactions into cherished memories. His ability to find humour even in the most serious situations endeared him to colleagues and students alike, making him a beloved presence in every space he occupied.

Prof. Jha's vision for CeSCube was revolutionary. Founded in 2020, CeSCube emerged as a one-of-a-kind think tank, bringing together contributors from diverse backgrounds and age groups—from 20 to 70 years old—to collaborate and share their insights. His vision of inclusivity and intellectual rigor laid the foundation for a platform that continues to evolve and thrive.

It is a profound loss that Prof. Jha's journey was cut short, yet his legacy endures in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege to know him.

Dr. Pankaj K. Jha's indomitable spirit, scholarly excellence, and unwavering patriotism remain a beacon for us all. In his memory, we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of our nation. Rest in peace, dear mentor, guide, and friend.

As CeSCube resumes operations, we invite young scholars, practitioners, and academics in the field of International Relations and Geopolitics to contribute scholarly articles. Let us together honour his legacy by fostering the vibrant exchange of ideas he so passionately championed.