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Message from the Head of Department

Associate Professor Dr. VGR Chandran Govindaraju

It is a privilege to head the Department of Development Studies that takes a multidisciplinary

approach in viewing the problems of the world. Working with colleagues from diverse
background is interesting and rewarding, especially when the intent is to try to contribute to

humanity by influencing policies and practices. The year 2016 has been good with
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development studies ranked at 30 in the QS World Ranking. We are ranked top in research
excellence and our staff drive the department in areas such as industrial development,

poverty, social innovation, microfinance, cooperatives, sustainable development,
entrepreneurship, health, economic growth, education economics and others.

The department’s approach of investigating the problems of development in a longer term

perspective, using cross-country comparison drawing on the field work undertaken by our

staff members is particularly beneficial for future policy formulation as well as for teaching.
The department continued its mission of pursuing knowledge, conducting research, and

imparting knowledge in the field of development studies. The need is as high as ever for
empirical analysis and policy prescriptions on the challenges of inequality, technology,

sustainability and inclusive growth, as well as quality education, skilled labour, social
protection and social justice, in view of the nearing Millennium Development Goals’

conclusion in 2015.

The teaching and research performed by department members, and involvement of students

in discussions, inside and outside of class, affirm the relevance and importance of
development studies to these times. Also, graduates of the department are well placed within

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