Company wants to see India as an industry 'frontrunner'

The founders of a new academic publishing platform in India say they are aiming to contribute to the transformation of the country into a knowledge superpower and a global leader in higher education.

Vivek Mehra and Shafina Segon describe Vikramshila Education as “an honest effort to level the playing field removing the barriers of exclusion, regionalism and discrimination for researchers, especially in the developing world”.

The company is launching a series of subject-specific megajournals, called Aakashganga, and is inviting researchers and professionals yearning to publish their findings to make contact.  Vikramshila is also planning to launch an open access platform for books called Kaashi.  

The founders said: “This mission we have embarked upon, aspires to help Indian researchers find their rightful space in the global order. Vikramshila Education is an honest effort to level the playing field removing the barriers of exclusion, regionalism and discrimination for researchers, especially in the developing world. India's research, like that of the developing world, is important for local researchers.  

“These numbers reflect the growing frustration amongst academics and the system that doesn't have a solution on the horizon. Vikramshila is committed to providing transparent, credible, and affordable publishing outlets primarily to Indian researchers and researchers from the developing world. The dream is to see India become the frontrunner in scientific research output.”

Vikramshila Education has also created a portal for freelancers to register. This portal (in development), is called Seva Haat, which translates into a marketplace providing services.

The founders added: “Seva Haat aims to be the largest network of independent professionals. If you have a skill, we will create a user for it. Currently, we are limiting ourselves to publishing services only.” 

Researchers are being invited to register with Vikramshila and “join the mission”.