IASSI Quarterly
Year : 2005, Volume : 23, Issue : 3
First page : ( 90) Last page : ( 106)
Print ISSN : 0970-9061.

Humanities and social science research and national development: Futuristic directions

Rao G.R.S., Chairman

Centre for Public Policy and Social Development, 648 Naveen Nagar, Hyderabad 500 004, India. Email: cppsd@yahoo.com

The canvas of the theme unfolds four clusters of issues for consideration. First, the conceptual and operational dimensions of ‘social science in the context of social change in general and national development in particular. Secondly, the substantial dimensions and processual dynamics of development have to be mapped out from the stand-point of social science. It is only then, that the third set of issues can be focused upon, revolving around the Indian scenario of social science research. Such a three-fold analytical framework would facilitate the fourth issue recognition of Research and Development as an activity chain, and the fifth, viz, formulation of an agenda in terms of futuristic directions of social science research attuned to meet the challenge of the change and the process of national development.

A consideration of the status and the challenge of social science/research in India offers a fascinating opportunity to explore and to debate. As this is a theme paper, certain issues have been flagged, not discussed to any substantial length, in order to provoke creative exploration.

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