Centre for Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI), School of Social Sciences and International Studies, Pondicherry University organized 10-Day National Research Methodology Course in collaboration with Institute for Educational and Development Studies (IEDS) sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi

 

The inaugural session of the 10-day Research Methodology Course commenced with the University Anthem, setting a solemn and reflective tone for the event.

Dr. A. Chidambaram, Centre Head of CSSI, Pondicherry University, delivered the welcome address, warmly receiving the distinguished guests and participants. The ceremony moved forward with the lighting of the lamp by the Honourable Guests, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the beginning of an intellectual journey. Dr. G. Prabakaran, Course Director and Assistant Professor, CSSI, provided an insightful overview of the course, elaborating on its objectives, structure, and academic relevance.

Prof. Sudhakar Venukapalli, Honorary Professor, IEDS, offered a deep perspective on the significance of critical and original academic research, highlighting the need to decolonize intellectual frameworks and rediscover the roots of the Indian knowledge system. He also presented selected publications by IEDS to the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University.

Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Director of Studies, Education, Innovation & Rural Reconstruction, Pondicherry University, in his special address, discussed the differences between Western and Indian approaches to research. He emphasized the need for inclusive methodologies and the importance of governmental support in empowering marginalized communities, while also acknowledging the role of ICSSR in advancing research. Prof. Biju K. C., from Christ University, Bangalore, delivered a thought-provoking address, using the philosophical metaphor of the snake-and-ladder game to illustrate the research journey and its inherent challenges. He encouraged young scholars to pursue meaningful and reflective research.

Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, delivered the Presidential Address, where he emphasized the relevance of the Indian knowledge system in contemporary research. He stressed the importance of ancient languages like Sanskrit in academic discourse and advocated for ethical and value-based research practices.

The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the continued significance of offline (field-based) research, especially in social science disciplines, and its role in building contextually grounded knowledge.

Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, New Delhi, delivered the Inaugural Address, focusing on the role of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in addressing social issues and promoting community development. He also spoke about the importance of methodological rigor, social realism, and Nyaya philosophy in research.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anchal Kumari, Assistant Professor, CSSI, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, organizers, and participants.

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