The Institute for Development Studies (IDSK) on Friday (March 13) announced plans to launch a new postgraduate programme during a press conference held at the Press Club in Kolkata. The event was attended by senior academic leaders and members of the institute's governing council.
Professor Om Prakash Mishra, President of IDSK, chaired the press conference. Among those present were Professor Ashutosh Ghosh, vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Professor Sibaji Pratim Basu, vice-president of IDSK, Professor Amit Dey, Secretary of the institute, eminent environmentalist Jayanta Basu, and Professor Byasdeb Dasgupta, Director of IDSK.
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'New MA programme to begin this year'
During the event, the institute outlined its plans to expand academic offerings. Director Professor Byasdeb Dasgupta highlighted the institute's academic and research activities since its establishment in 2002 and discussed upcoming initiatives.
He announced that IDSK will introduce a two-year MA programme in Development Studies, which the institute described as the first-of-its-kind in Eastern India. The programme will have an intake of 30 students. According to the institute, the course could open potential employment opportunities in the development sector as well as in media-related fields.
Along with the new programme, the institute also plans to introduce two more postgraduate courses in the future. These will focus on Sustainable Development and International Relations. All three MA programmes will be offered under a self-financed model, according to the institute.
Collaboration with University of Calcutta
Speaking at the press conference, Professor Ashutosh Ghosh highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the University of Calcutta and IDSK. He noted that the university is keen to continue supporting the institute's academic and research initiatives.
He also referred to the Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Human Development Studies (RNTCHDS), which is a joint initiative of the University of Calcutta and IDSK. The centre focuses on research and academic activities related to human development and aims to involve academics, media professionals and members of the development sector.
New centre to focus on climate change research
Jayanta Basu spoke about the institute's upcoming Rabindranath Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, which aims to promote research and action-based initiatives on climate issues.
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He highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and sustainable development challenges in West Bengal, as well as across eastern and northeastern India. The centre is expected to facilitate policy dialogues with stakeholders working in the climate and development sectors.
Professor Om Prakash Mishra concluded the press conference by noting that both research centres could help expand IDSK's academic activities. He also announced that Jayanta Basu will help coordinate the work of the new climate change centre.
