In Conversation with Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi

About Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi is a distinguished Indian educationalist and renowned scholar in the field of accounting, with over 45 years of exceptional service in academia. He holds a PhD from HNB Garhwal University, India, and an M.Com. from the University of Delhi. Additionally, he is an Academic Fellow of the Association of International Accountants (AIA), UK.
Throughout his career, Prof. Joshi has taught accounting at prestigious institutions across India, Bahrain, Malaysia, Kenya, Europe, etc. As a prolific academic publisher, he has founded five accounting journals and currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Auditing and Accounting Studies (IJAAS).
Prof. Joshi has authored approximately 150 research papers, 11 books, and more than 60 general articles addressing socio-economic and educational issues. His research has been presented at over 45 international conferences, including the European Accounting Association Congress. His scholarly contributions have earned him more than 16 awards, including three Lifetime Achievement honours.

LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it, and its content.

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: This book contains Prof Dr Prem Lal Joshi’s life journey as a respectable accounting professor who genuinely and unwaveringly dedicated over 45 years of life to academia, research, leadership, mentoring, writing, and social impact across a few developing nations in Asia, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Africa. Born in 1952 into a very low-income family in the Garhwal Hills, India, and during my life journey, this autobiography contains a snapshot of encountering poverty, struggling with hardships, varied experiences, conflicts, life’s ups and downs, teaching, research and editorial and social implications as an academician who rose from scratch in the Garhwal Hills to global reach. These are described and analysed in this autobiography
Prof Joshi embodies the spirit of intellectual depth and interdisciplinary involvement with over 145 research papers published in recognised national and international journals and over 80 pieces on assessing socioeconomic, political and educational concerns. He attempted eleven books, oversaw a few PhD and M.Phil. students, and guided a dozen postgraduate projects. He also worked on several funded projects. Dr Joshi’s dedication to professional development and information sharing is demonstrated by dozens of training courses, over 45 presentations at international conferences (most of which were at the European Accounting Association Congress), and a few consulting projects. Both theories and industry practices in the accounting sector benefited from numerous ground breaking research works in management accounting, budgeting and zero based budgeting, financial reporting, internal auditing, accounting education, etc.
Dr. Joshi tried to influence the course of the field as the founder and editor of four international journals. I tried to maintain high standards of morality, honesty, diligence, and critical thinking throughout my life. His leadership in intellect and social activity further demonstrates profound passion for the advancement of society. The work, which has earned me over 16 honours and awards, exemplifies the influence of values-driven scholarship on an international scale. The unwavering dedication to quality and his belief that academia should serve society as a whole would be an inspiration to upcoming academics. The trajectory serves as an influential illustration of purpose-driven achievement and lifelong learning. It demonstrates how one can make a lasting impact by overcoming disciplinary and geographic barriers. In addition to intellectual motivation, readers may discover a philosophy of life based on honesty and compassion and rising from scratch. Aspiring academics can use this story as a guide to conduct themselves responsibly, think critically, and lead with vision and purpose. It serves as a reminder that attaining personal objectives while also boosting others is the key to genuine success. It may serve as bacon of principles, struggles, determination, integrity, and purpose for the next generation. Let this life narrative spark in you a passion to develop not just a profession, but a legacy of value. This autobiography is a tribute to the strength of principles, purpose, and tenacity for generations to come. It should inspire young minds to serve with compassion, lead with vision, and pursue knowledge with integrity. Allow it to motivate youth to create a profession that will not only be successful but also have lasting value. Hard work, critical thinking and integrity were followed most of the time by the author.
Dr Joshi’s story is one of resilience, intellect, and purpose. It is also a story of how one individual, armed with education and conviction, can inspire others and shape a generation. This autobiography captures not just the milestones of his career but the essence of a life devoted to knowledge. It is both an account of achievement and a testament to character—and it deserves to be read with the same seriousness and admiration with which it was lived.

LiFT: Why did you choose this title?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: The title “From Garhwal to Global: Balancing the Ledger of Life” powerfully reflects Pro. Dr Prem Lal Joshi’s journey from humble beginnings in the Garhwal Hills to an internationally respected academic career. ‘Global’ stands for leadership, global influence, and intellectual reach, whereas during Dr Joshi’s childhood time and even today, the Garhwal stands for poverty, hardship, and resiliency. Drawing on Dr Joshi’s identity as an accounting professor, the phrase “Balancing the Ledger of Life” captures the meticulous balancing of challenges, struggles, hard work, successes, ethics, and service. A life dedicated to education, research, mentoring, and global social responsibility is highlighted in the subtitle. When taken as a whole, the title captures a life that overcame hardship to make lasting contributions to academia and society.

LiFT: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was your inspiration behind it?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: In the conventional sense, he is neither a poet nor a literary writer. Instead, he considers himself as an academic writer and researcher who also writes articles and opinion pieces about the socioeconomic and educational problems that the economy and society are facing. This tendency first became apparent at the start of his teaching career, especially while he was working towards his PhD work. In order to share his extensive experiences in accounting education, research, and academic counselling in India and abroad, he gradually felt the need to develop textbooks and reference materials. The urge to record information and make a significant and innovative contributions to the academic community has always been his source of inspiration.

LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: At seventy-four, looking ten years ahead in the world of literature or research invites a touch of philosophy. By then, I may find myself in Heaven, in Hell, or perhaps roaming through space—depending entirely on the final balance sheet of my karma. Having said that, I am confident that I will continue to be actively involved in writing and research over the next two to three years, following ideas with the same curiosity and dedication that have led me this far.

LiFT: How important do you think marketing and the quality of a book are in promoting it and increasing its readership?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: Marketing strategies are unquestionably essential for promoting any book, but they are especially important for autobiographies. Effective marketing can boost visibility and attract a wider audience, even if the author is a well-known person, such as a professor of accounting. Credibility is added by a well-known publisher, such as one in India, yet the book may not get enough readers if it isn’t strategically promoted. Good content is essential, but even the best work may go overlooked in the absence of appropriate marketing channels. In the end, both components collaborate to guarantee a book’s success.

LiFT: What message do you want to convey to people through your writing?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: Through sharing his journey of commitment, education, and contributions to teaching and research across diverse cultural settings, Dr. Joshi aims to inspire others with his autobiography. It reflects the challenges he faced from childhood through his school and university years, the knowledge he gained from his teachers, professors, mentors, and the esteemed institutions where he studied and worked—both in India and internationally. His story highlights the passion and determination that fueled his progress. Dr. Joshi seeks to demonstrate that with persistence and integrity, one can make a lasting impact. His experiences are a testament to the power of education, continuous personal growth, and the ability to shape a global career from humble beginnings.

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: Dr. Joshi, a retired and distinguished Professor of Accounting, remains academically active and deeply engaged in the field. Over the course of his career, he founded five international accounting journals, dedicating decades to editing and advancing their quality. He continues to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Auditing and Accounting Studies (IJAAS), where he also plays a key role in reviewing and mentoring emerging researchers, helping them publish high-quality accounting research. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Joshi is actively involved with two-three NGOs in Mumbai, contributing to various social initiatives and events.

LiFT: What activities do you resort to when you face writer’s block?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: • Taking short breaks like walking or stretching to refresh the mind
• Reading books or watching videos to gain new ideas
• Free writing without worrying about mistakes
• Changing the place or listening to music for inspiration

LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If so, could you tell us something about it?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: Jointly Editing a book titled: THE POWER OF VALUE BASED EDUCATION: PERSPECTIVES AND PROSPECTIVE
It contains eleven book chapters on multiple topics focusing on Value-based Education (VBE) in addition to a strong Editorial note authored by me and co-editor. I am the lead Editor for the book.
The contributors are both from India, and internationally.

LiFT: What are your suggestions for budding writers and poets to help them improve their writing skills?

Prof. Dr. Prem Lal Joshi: -Reading widely and in-depth to get an understanding of various voices and styles
-Writing frequently to improve fluency; and reviewing and editing frequently to improve impact and clarity

-Seeking helpful criticism from mentors or devoted readers
-Writing from real-world experiences boosts writing and confidence.
-It is crucial to learn how to organise ideas, language, and material when writing.
-Lastly, but just as importantly, learning to be resilient and patient while accepting rejection and making sluggish progress as a necessary part of the writing process.

Click here to order Prof. Prem Lal Joshi’s Book – From Garhwal to Global: Balancing the Ledger of Life