On the occasion of the 134th anniversary of the founding of this newspaper, Kasturi & Sons Ltd., publishers of The Hindu group of newspapers, have pleasure in announcing the launch of The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy – to encourage research and discussion on critical political and public policy issues.
The Hindu played a historic role as an influential voice in the freedom movement and in the formation of independent India. The founding spirit of The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy is the firm belief that as independent India enters its 65th year, the publishers of The Hindu can help revitalise the faith of the Indian public in democratic politics. We do believe that The Hindu group, with its strong public presence over more than a century and its important contribution to nation-building, is especially well placed to start an institution of this kind.
A major goal for The Hindu Centre is to look at the governing vision over the last several decades since Independence and to revisit the fundamental formulations of the Indian Constitution, be it on pluralism, federalism, linguistic states, or regional autonomy and to see whether parts of this governing vision need to be updated to address the intense challenges facing the country today. The idea is that over a time frame of five to ten years at the least, on a number of issues that are part of the public discourse in India today, whether on secularism, linguistic states, federalism, regional movements, caste consolidation, insurgencies like the Maoist movement, the failure to subdue secessionist impulses such as in Kashmir, the Centre can contribute valuably to an understanding of the complex problems.
The Hindu Centre will be guided by an Advisory Board comprising eminent scholars and public intellectuals: Zoya Hasan, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Pratap Bhanu Mehta, President and CEO, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi; Yogendra Yadav, Senior Fellow, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi; Gurcharan Das, management expert, author, and commentator on public affairs; and Martha Nussbaum, Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics, University of Chicago.
The Board of Management will comprise N. Ram, N. Ravi, and Malini Parthasarathy. Malini Parthasarathy will be the Director of the Centre.
Among the activities of The Hindu Centre will be:
* Sponsoring and guiding research on significant issues of politics and public policy by awarding year-long Fellowships to scholars to conduct research and provide reports on long-term political and constitutional issues requiring further exploration.
* Engaging public policy scholars to study specific current policy issues over a shorter time frame and come up with reports that will be fed into the public domain periodically.
* Providing a platform for dialogue and discussion through hosting seminars and workshops involving leading political scientists, leaders, and activists working towards a resolution of intractable issues. Where appropriate, The Hindu Centre will host ‘Track-Two’ type dialogues and seminars on internal conflicts that will seek to increase public understanding of the disputes that remain thorny points in our political discourse — such as understanding the alienation of the Kashmir Valley, the intensifying ethnic-cultural conflicts in the Northeast, and the continuing Maoist insurgency.
* From time to time, hosting lectures by leading public figures and political philosophers to raise the awareness of the general public as to their rights as citizens and stakeholders in the democratic process.
The outcome of the Centre’s research and programmes will be made available at its website, which will be updated frequently and provide in itself a lively platform for exchanges with the wider public.
The Centre will start its activities at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860 Anna Salai, Chennai 600002, the home of The Hindu since 1939, on a date to be announced in due course.
Keywords: The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy launch, The Hindu group of newspapers, public policy issues, public discourses, public debates
This center must have been established decades ago. The sad memory of 1991 would not have arisen in the first place, if such centers existed then. IIMs have failed completely in the area of public policy. My request to the Hindu is not to involve USA but collaborate with Europe and Russia.
Also, could you please write another article about the requirements of
an individual to be a part of this institute. How does it work and
what are the necessary qualifications. Is it open for young students
or only for professionals like journalist, IAS, IPS etc?
THE HINDU must educate citizens about how people can make their
contribution.
Thanks
At least now 'The Hindu' should have avoided repeating "The Hindu" in the name of this research centre ! What is wrong with a simple name like "Centre for Politics and Public Policy" ?!
Excellent..Also start a centre to encourage learned people to enter politics as it can not be cleansed...
It is high time that we Indians started taking pride in the sacrifices
of our forefathers in getting our Independence.THE HINDU that has played
a significant part in the process has again shown its leadership
qualities to bring out our populace from the present political and
moral morass.Wish The Hindu and their team all success in their bold
venture.
Yes, there is a wide gap between approach, thinking, plan and implementation on any issue in public welfare. Especially with our politicians, no contemporarian is exception in their mouth-full of promises and inactivity. In this context, I welcome the great initiative of 'the Hindu'. I hope this initiative will bring much clarity on public policy issues and fruitful action will result.
a very good initiative by the hindu in opening centre for public
policy...............i request the hindu to please come out with new
creative ideas to educate the every indian youth about public policy and
governance through events like - apna desh apna kartavya and more other
.........
excellent intiative by The hindu at right time.today what youth lacks is an informed opinion about many complex issues plaguing democracy causing them to loose faith on the very ideals on which nation stands.wish u a
great success!
Great Initiative. Hope this will help to change the face of politics in India and subsequently strengthen the "Idea of India", where we can see the nation as a true Sovereign Socialist Secular Demacratic Republic. Wish you all the best.
much needed initiative
A great venture, Wish all success. Let there be an open mind; and keep in mind, any preconceived notions won’t help a country like India, so diverse in its content, to discover solutions to our myriad problems. Let collective wisdom of noble minds be able contribute to nations future. Best Wishes.
Really commendable step by Hindu. Was looking for such opportunity for a
long time...
As the Dean of a School of Government and Public Policy, teaching the first batch of students in India who expect to obtain a Master's degree in public poliy after two years, I welcome this innovative initiative of The Hindu. Much good can come of this, and much more good through collaboration with other instituitons working on public policy in India.
I am very much pleased to see that the publishers of "THE HINDU" is very vigilant about our country's future and i appreciate your sincerety towards the nation. You are successful in assessing the need of the hour and you acted accordingly. I appreciate your timing of your new move to start an institution of POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY when our country is passing through a tough time. Updation of our ages old constitution should be mooted. The honourable drafters of our consttitution might never pondered of a stuation we are ruled by thugs. Politicians don't like rural people get educated as they contribute a major chunk to the electorate and once they got educated they might start questioning the legitimacy of our currupt leaders to rule us and it ultimately give way for an alternative system. I wish your new venture a great success and hope it go beyond your readership.
All the best. Late but at least a beginning.
Congratulation: Very first initiative by Giant in Indian Media.
Now we can say that India is moving in right directions in public policy area. I would like to emphasis in area of Higher education, child labor, corruption, dowry, Indigenous, Agriculture and Industrial policy, saving, preserving, educating maintain and restoring our vast cultural, architectural heritage with public fees or donations. Implementing and monitoring of your research results in real world. Otherwise there are a lot of research papers siting on the bookshelves all over the world about your initiative.
Laudable initiative. This region practiced religious tolerance long
before secularism was added to the English dictionary. Hope the thinking
and research is original and refreshing and are not mere copycats of
other western oriented institutions. Looking forward to the vision and
mission statements.
Best Wishes,
A very timely and much needed initiative from an extraordinarily
responsible institution. The speed and scale of lumpenisation of
Indian politics and all the institutions that constitute and were
created by democracy,is terrifying.
Interest groups and family businesses which are presenting themselves
as political parties are hijacking the political process and holding
society to ransom.
It is high time intellectuals participate in the political process
more directly,raise their voice and set a proper agenda for this great
country. I sincerely hope The Hindu Centre for Public Policy and
Politics will fulfill this dire need.
My whole hearted support for your initiative.
wonderful. also some research should be conducted on The Hindu culture
and their industrial relations. it is worthwhile to emulate in all
industries. as for Mr. victor, i may suggest the weekly edition which i
used to get every week while at Gorakhpur U P a place where there was no
newspaper in English except Pioneer which was also reaching one day late
in fifties!!!!!!
A very good initiative from The Hindu. I hope this will attract the
attention of the current generation students as well.
Congratulations to Hindu for this welcome initiative. I cannot see what someone like Martha Nussbaum can contribute to the Advisory Board
Now a days, most of the youngsters in India are in a fear of joining politics. In a career guidance seminar held for Intermediate students in a Government College for Girls, only two students out of 200 raised their hands, when they were asked whether they can opt for a career in politics. Hence, the launch of a research center on politics and public policy, by the Hindu paper is timely and appropriate.
Sir,
Research on policy matters should not remain as elitist exercises. The
Hindu's initiative will hopefully provide a platform for interactions
between experts and the general public. Deepening and widening the
scope of policy research is surely a nation-building task. It is also an attempt by a doyen among the print media to add value to its
journalism to manage the transition to a predominately digital future
that may not be far away.
Sirs ,
All said and done , these initiatives will be secondary to readers . Your first priority shall be to make easy availability of THE HINDU in many parts of India where it reaches late by more than a day . Particularly in east , North east THE HINDU should do some thing so that it is freely available everywhere on the same morning as in Bangalore , Hyderabad etc .
This is a welcome move by The Hindu Group. All the very best for your efforts in encouraging
research in politics and enhancing people's awareness of policy issues.
Certainly, a need of hour;
Where many media groups (News as well as Print) have been insulting their profession by reporting misleading/ bias/paid news, The Hindu Group has been working towards upholding democratic, constitutional as well as ethical values by way of fair/neutral/mature/responsible reporting in the contry. I admire the group for its free/fair & courageous reporting. I hope that the initiative taken to form the Hindu Centre will certainly help people in understanding various political and policy issues and empower them to take right/inform decision in the future.
It is a very noble initiative from a newspaper side. When most of the
bright fellows are taking engineering and medical as their career the
research in arts subject is dying. This initiative will certainly help
to people who have interest in the subject. An another branch of the
institute can be opened in Delhi to provide easy access to north india.
its a very good step. but i have a thought. that why dont you also pick constitution also. what meaning a normal citizen ought to make out what politicians and other who have misinterpreted for their benefits. and more importanrtly the final interpretation of supreme court of India. thank for this step.waiting.
It is a wonderful brainchild of all the esteemed scholars involved. Truly, the need of the hour is to reach out to the people and facilitate such discussions. No media group other than the Hindu could have conceptualised such a remarkable platform!!
A very welcome move by The Hindu. I would congrtulate the whole management for this very innovative and forward looking initiative. I am quite confident that this will be definitely another milestone in Hindu's long standing serving to the nation building.
Wish You All The Best.
Best of luck guys! We need a platform for sane voices.
The HINDU has done it again and well-The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy-with the mission of conducting research on politics and policies at a time the whole world of politics is critisised for myopia,thuggery,running away from people, money power and absolute corruption.Policies are formulated not for public interest but to meet the short term gain of vested interest.Elected legal luminaries in parliament keep holes in legislative notes so the unending litigations, rather than objectives are met."We may see the face of the poorest of the poor, to enable formulation of laws lightening ,comforting and bringing a ray of hope to him to live" so said Gandghiji.In a high technology savy enviornment with new aspirations and hopes of new India,changes in policy and subsequent policy are must.International law- maritime and land-needs to be understood in a world of treatise and memorandums.Readers of the Hindu will be educated on emerging policy frame works to chalk his way.
Great,Looking forward to it!
ALL the best to the team. The Hindu has always been an example of mature
and responsible journalism and now with the start of 'The Hindu center
for Politics and Public Policy' it establishes a platform for a more
responsible journalism. Thanks to the Hindu Group for providing this
space, away from sensationalism and close to the facts and realities of
the real world.
A welcome move.. I guess the hindu will in future come up with such centers in each of
the states its operating on. Waiting for the website.
Hi! I am very impressed with the idea of this Centre and eagerly
looking forward to it. Infact, I would like to contribute in someways
to this Centre and would like to know the possibilities in relation to
this. I am presently pursuing my PhD from JNU and my thesis looks into
the relationship between policy implementation and state ideology and
functioning. For the purpose of my study, I am focusing on the
implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in West Bengal and trying to
assess how Left party, its ideology and functioning, has influenced
the implementation of this development programme in the State. My
interest lies in understanding the why's and how's of public policy
and plan to work in this area in future.
Thank you.
Hoping to hear from you.
Seems like a nice initiative. I look forward to follow it. I would
request concerned people not only to involve research fellows and
experts in the relevant fields but also students and students I do not
mean taking higher education only. It could be anybody who is educated
and whose voice is never heard.
The mission with a noble vision is truly an ambitious one and would
surely be a great landmark in The Hindu's chequered history of service
to the nation.It is a well known fact that the largest democracy in
the world has failed to give a good and unblemished governance to her
people to redress their grievances due to mismatch between the avowed
objectives enshrined in the Constitution and the political parties'
self centred goals to sustain power.The citizens have an inherent
right to be fully informed and to expect transparency in public
policy framing and its fair implementation.It would be better to start
this process right at higher secondary level so as to be fully trained
in dealing with a complex pluralistic and divided society and its
politics and taking up public issues for solving myriad problems by
the citizens.
G.Kulandaivelu,
Karaikal
A Very Good Initiative. All People of India Should be made aware of thier rights & duties. I wish the impact of the above initiate reach the remotest places of the Country.
Please let us know if we(readers) can Participate in various discussions and debates.
Since 1960, when I started reading English language newspapers
slowly, The Hindu was the only paper available in the Municipal
Library. As the news reports were palatable and impartial, my
association with The Hindu continues. I was very happy when you
courageously started exposing wikileaks – the misdeeds of leaders of
different countries. I am doubly happy that you are venturing “The
Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy”, which is aimed to
encourage research and discussion on critical political and public
policy issues. SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS.
Great initiative! Congratulations!
Wishing the 'The Hindu Center for Politics & Public Policy' a grand success. this is a very good initiative.. Hopefully this brings the much needed intellectual discussion on Politics & Publich Policy, which unfortunately is not happening in today's political arena..
A very timely initiative. Congratulations.
Yes, what is left by law makers should be reminded and echod from this end and to encourage research and discussion on current political and public policy isssues and it is a welcome initiative and aptly named as Centrer for politics and public policy in sea blue color font.And the logo takes us before our forefathers'times of "scribes" and it is a welcome step on this day of 134 th anniversary and many more happy returns of the day.
Please eradicate contagious diseases like leprosy, TB and Malaria completely. Please stress a clean and green env at every stage and level and let us remap INDIA every square inch so that it is clean and green
Laudable effort. Looking forward for detailed analyses and qualified
reports on some of the historically concealed truths in our nation's
political arena and also give us means to get more involved and
informed about the public policy making. I wish that The Hindu
provides an unbiased support to research in these areas and shows
perseverance in its efforts to unscramble the facts.
Thanks and good luck.
A really welcome and necessary move by the Hindu group. Such institutions are
extremely necessary in todays India to generate think tanks who can advice the Govt.
on policy making either directly or indirectly. I hope the Indian politicians soon come
out of their traditional cocoon of being all powerful rulers and start seeing academic
think tanks as potential partners in forming policies. Wish the Hindu Center for
Politics and Public policy all the very best.
Congrats!! Would be good if you can also include environment, climate change and
Water Disputes within the scope of this institution. Environment, climate change and
Water disputes will be the three issues that will all the rest.
It is need of the hour. Wish you Godspeed.
Sir.
Only if Organizations like Kasturi Publication who had all the expertise and resources to wear this mantle to cope wih the challenges of giving direction to public policy in an unlettered democracy earlier when the world had started to swerve into the direction of chaos which has manifested today, not only India but the world would be in better shape. With no powerful public policy organization, puppets in the political parties assumed the role of friend, philosophers and foes at the same time with no credential or tools on the basis of rigged and bought elections bringing India and the world into this mess. Better late than never.
The Indian electorate is predominantly rural, uneducated and mostly unaware of the value of their vote.Their relevance to the vote is limited to the caste of the candidates involved and other considerations like money etc.This weakness is exploited by the vested interests with the result it is difficult for sincere,honest and knowledgeble persons to successfully contest the elections.There is no attempt on the part of political parties to educate the illiterate electorate on their role and on the value and significance of vote in matters of governance.I hope that the Hindu centre would help fill up this gap in a non partisan way in the interests of our democracy.
Much needed and timely decision. However, I personally think that if The Hindu can mentor
youngsters to join ethical politics, it will be of great value to our country.
This is such a welcome step !! We most definitely need think tanks and respository hubs like these.
The panel is a class apart and speaks great deal about the academic rigor and practical knowldege on governance, public policy and international politics- that it would offer in due course.
Originating from the Hindu, most definitely the centre would match the best intellectual infrastructural standards that the Woodrow Wilson, Kennedy or Blavatnik have to offer in terms of researches, insights and policy formulations.
Look forward :)
Swasti Pachauri
Prime Ministers Rural Development Fellow (Student of Development Economics, University of Delhi/TISS)
A very good initiative. It will be good if platform can allow general
public also to express their views or take part in general debate.
This is great as it is one of the most difficult problem. Instead if thinking Big on constitutional changes, how we could bring incremental changes to improve our condition.
Analysis on Spending Cap on Campaign, Check on television channel Owned by Parties, Record keeping on Candidates criminal activity and also thier close associates, Thier educational Background, etc., etc.
Even in forward democracy such as USA, they do mistake such as having SuperPAC which could bias the result of an election.
India has a great chance of improving itself based on wider oppurtunity in a flatter world with the wonderful Human resources and core values. Hope our Politicians carry it in the right direction and bring improvement to our country. The focus should be, how these to bring these awareness to illiterate and some rural population in India. Traits of a Politician = Braveness + Good intention + Knowledge + vision - Ego - Selfishness. Developing some analytical tool to measure these traits.
The creation of this Center is very timely. Secularism should not mean
"no reference to the culture and religious values" that have sustained India as a unique country through 5000 years of our history.India after all is a unique country that has impacted cultures in East Asia and Central Asia without resorting to conquering armies. It is worth reminding ourselves of this heritage and building on it.
Its very pleasing to here that 'The Hindu' is going to open a center for research in the field of 'Politics and Public Policy' .I do hope in a time it will prove to be one of the premier institutions to be in.I wish I could join the center.
Indeed Great News. Timely and also much needed academic pursuit for
better governance practices. All The Best Hindu...
excellent concept although delayed
but we need much more credible institution like this
Please Email the Editor