How a Dalit Professor from India is Setting New Benchmarks in Global Marketing Research

Bengaluru- Growing up as a Dalit in India, Gopal Das faced challenges that could have dimmed anyone’s dreams. Yet, with grit, passion, and an unyielding love for learning, he carved a path to the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), where he shines as an Associate Professor in Marketing. His story isn’t just about academic success, it’s about breaking barriers, defying odds, and inspiring others to believe that no dream is too big. As the only Indian scholar holding multiple editorial roles in the world’s top marketing journals, Gopal Das is not only redefining global marketing research but also showing the world what resilience and talent can achieve.

Hailing from a Dalit background, Professor Das faced systemic challenges that often impede access to elite academic spaces. Yet, his determination and scholarly brilliance propelled him to the forefront of marketing research. Professor Das did not claim reservation, he was recruited through general merits in December 2017. Since his joining in April 2018, Dr. Gopal Das has had to continuously fight for his rights, equal opportunities, dignity, and welfare. He endured over 100 instances of caste-based discrimination and harassment during his tenure.

Dr. Das was excluded from participating in key institute activities and committees. Despite receiving exceptional teaching feedback and producing notable research and publications, he was denied equal opportunities in PhD teaching, a process controlled by the accused individuals.

Despite facing systemic challenges as a Dalit, he overcame every obstacle through his relentless dedication, exceptional talent, and groundbreaking contributions to marketing research." With a vast teaching and research experience, he has today become a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities in India. His work at IIMB, one of India’s premier management institutes, spans consumer emotion, motivation, scarcity, information processing, gift-giving, consumer receptivity to artificial intelligence, and retailing. These diverse research interests reflect his ability to address pressing issues in consumer behavior and marketing strategy.

Editorial Leadership

Professor Das’s editorial contributions are unparalleled among Indian scholars. He currently serves as Associate Editor for three prestigious journals: European Journal of Marketing, Psychology & Marketing, and Business & Society. Additionally, he is a member of the Editorial Review Board (ERB) for five globally acclaimed journals: Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (JAMS), Journal of Product Innovation Management (JPIM), Journal of Services Marketing (JSM), and Marketing Matters. His past roles include Associate Editor for the Journal of Business Research and ERB member for the International Journal of Research in Marketing (IJRM), both among the elite in the field.

As a Lead Guest Editor for a Special Issue of JAMS and Co-Editor for special issues on Scarcity (JAMS), Retailing and Emergent Technologies (JBR), and Field Studies (EJM), Professor Das has demonstrated thought leadership in shaping global marketing discourse. His editorial roles highlight his ability to influence the direction of marketing research worldwide, a rare feat for a scholar based in India.

Global Recognition and Research Impact

Professor Das’s research portfolio is equally impressive, with over 100 manuscripts published in top-tier journals such as Journal of Consumer Psychology, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Journal of Retailing, Psychology & Marketing, European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of Services Marketing. His work has been presented at leading conferences like ACR, SCP, AMA, INFORMS, and EMAC, further cementing his global influence.

His research productivity has earned him a place in Stanford University’s prestigious Global Top 2% Researchers List for five consecutive years, making him the only professor from IIMB to achieve this feat. Recently, in the Marketing Big 15 USA Rankings (2018–2025), he ranked #1 in India, #2 in Asia, and #17 globally, showcasing his dominance in marketing scholarship. Additionally, he has been recognized with the Dipak C Jain Award, the Outstanding Doctoral Management Student Award, and ranked 2nd in the world in the Retailing Journal Influence Index (2009–15).

Professor Das’s achievements are particularly significant given his Dalit identity, which places him in a historically marginalized community in India. His success challenges entrenched stereotypes and demonstrates that talent and perseverance can transcend systemic barriers. By excelling in a field dominated by global scholars, he is paving the way for greater representation of marginalized communities in academia. His role as a mentor to Ph.D. scholars further amplifies his impact, as he guides the next generation of researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond research, Professor Das is a dedicated educator, teaching courses on Marketing Management, Marketing Research, Consumer Behaviour, and Experimental Design at IIMB. His ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights has made him a favorite among students. As a consultant, he has worked with leading organizations, applying his expertise in consumer psychology and retailing to solve real-world business challenges. His visiting scholar stints at HKUST Business School, Hong Kong, and NUS Business School, Singapore, further underscore his global academic stature. He has also been associated with INSEAD, a non-profit business school with locations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Professor Gopal Das’s journey is not just a personal triumph but a source of inspiration for aspiring scholars, particularly those from marginalized communities. By achieving global recognition while staying rooted in India, he is not only elevating IIMB’s reputation but also inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the odds. His ability to rise above societal challenges and establish himself as a global leader in marketing research is a powerful narrative of empowerment. By setting new benchmarks in academic excellence, editorial leadership, and research impact, he is redefining what it means to be a Dalit scholar from India.