Kolkata's IDSK Establishes Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development
The Institute of Development Studies Kolkata (IDSK) made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing the creation of the Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development. This new research and advocacy platform is specifically designed to tackle the pressing climate challenges faced by eastern and northeastern India. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Press Club in Kolkata, which saw the attendance of prominent academics and administrators.
Key Figures and Vision for the New Centre
The event was chaired by Professor Om Prakash Mishra, President of IDSK, who outlined the centre's objectives. He stated that the new centre will operate under the existing Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Human Development Studies (RNTCHDS). Its primary focus will be on generating awareness, conducting research, and formulating policy recommendations related to climate change and sustainable development. Professor Mishra emphasized that the centre aims to become a nodal platform for dialogue and advocacy on climate issues affecting West Bengal and the broader eastern and northeastern regions of India.
In his address, Professor Mishra detailed the centre's planned activities, which include research initiatives, workshops, and policy discussions. The centre intends to collaborate with various stakeholders, such as the state government, civil society organisations, businesses, and the media, to advance climate action and sustainable development strategies. Detailed programmes and specific activities are set to be rolled out in the coming months, marking a proactive step towards addressing environmental concerns.
Academic Expansion and New Programmes
During the press conference, Professor Byasdeb Dasgupta, Director of IDSK, highlighted the institute's academic and research achievements since its establishment in 2002. He also announced plans for expanding the institute's academic offerings. A key development is the introduction of a two-year MA programme in Development Studies, which is the first of its kind in eastern India. This programme will have an intake of 30 students and is expected to create career opportunities in the development sector and media.
Professor Dasgupta further revealed that IDSK plans to launch two additional postgraduate programmes in the near future: one in Sustainable Development and another in International Relations. All three programmes will be offered in a self-financed mode, reflecting the institute's commitment to broadening its educational impact and addressing contemporary global issues.
Collaboration and Environmental Focus
Professor Ashutosh Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, spoke about the ongoing collaboration between the University of Calcutta and IDSK. He noted that the Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Human Development Studies is a joint initiative of the two institutions, aimed at promoting research and academic engagement inspired by the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore. This collaboration brings together scholars, media professionals, and development practitioners to foster interdisciplinary work.
Dr. Jayanta Basu, a noted environmental journalist and academic, addressed the significance of the newly formed climate centre. He stressed that it will focus on action-based research and policy dialogue, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and sustainable development challenges in West Bengal and across eastern and northeastern India. Dr. Basu's involvement was further emphasized as Professor Mishra announced that he will assist in coordinating the activities of the new centre.
Institute Background and Future Directions
Other speakers at the event included Professor Sibaji Pratim Basu, Vice-President of IDSK, and Professor Amit Dey, Secretary of IDSK, who both highlighted the institute's commitment to expanding interdisciplinary research and academic engagement. The press conference concluded with Professor Mishra reiterating that the new climate centre will strengthen IDSK's research initiatives and broaden its engagement with pressing environmental and developmental issues.
Established in 2002 by the Government of West Bengal, the Institute of Development Studies Kolkata is an autonomous centre of excellence in social sciences, fully funded by the state government. It is recognised by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) under the category of “ICSSR Recognised Research Institutes”. The institute launched its multidisciplinary MPhil programme in Development Studies in 2006 under the auspices of the University of Calcutta, showcasing its long-standing dedication to academic excellence and societal impact.
