The formal inauguration of the academic year 2019-20 was held in the Baker Auditorium, CDS on 5 August 2019 by Dr Thomas Isaac, Finance Minister of Kerala. Welcoming Dr Thomas Isaac, Prof Mani, Director, CDS described him as a close friend and well-wisher of CDS, who was a student, a faculty member and at present an honorary fellow of the CDS.
Dr T M Thomas Isaac recollected his association with the Centre and how this had influenced him in his academic as well as political career. He also recollected the times spent with Prof KN Raj, Prof Gulati, and distinguished personalities like Prof Joan Robinson while at the CDS. His advice to the new students was to make use of this vast opportunity of academic facilities that the CDS have to offer to them.
Inaugural Lectures
The Inaugural Lecture Series for 2019-20 consists of a set of 4 lectures, all touching on different dimensions of the Indian Economy.
The first in the series of lectures was delivered by Professor R. Nagaraj, Professor at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) on “The GDP Debate” at the Baker Auditorium on 5 August 2019.
The second lecture on “Leading Through Innovation and Productivity Growth – Policy Challenges for India” was delivered by Professor Rakesh Basant, Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad on 6 August, 2019.
The third in the series was given by Dr Shinoj Parapurratu , Senior Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Kochi on 7 August, 2019 on “Growth and Diversification of Indian Agriculture: Temporal and Spatial Patterns.”
The last lecture on “The Employment Question in India: Politics, Economics and the Way Forward,” will be delivered by Dr Amit Basole, Azim Premji University, Bangalore on 9 August 2019.
