Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram

ABOUT

Overview

The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) was established as an autonomous social science research institute on 19 October 1970 . It was the leadership and vision of Shri C. Achutha Menon, the then Chief Minister of Kerala that led to the creation of several research centres in Kerala in different disciplines related to the development of the State. He was able to persuade legendary development economist Professor K. N. Raj to set up the Centre and provide intellectual leadership. Professor Raj continued to remain the driving force behind all academic activities of CDS for over two decades. CDS was also fortunate to have Laurie Baker, a radically innovative architect, visualise and design its campus and buildings in a distinctive but cost-effective manner. The architectural splendour of the CDS campus is the result of this vision and effort of Laurie Baker. The Centre is, perhaps, one of the first educational institutions in the country to follow a democratically decentralised governing structure ensuring complete transparency in administrative and academic matters.