The Centre for Development Studies (CDS), a premier research institution with over 50 years of pioneering work in economics and development studies, is set to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of its founder, K. N. Raj. Raj was instrumental in the formulation of India’s First Five-Year Plan, calculated India’s balance of payments for the first time (while serving at the Reserve Bank of India), and provided economic advice to a succession of Prime Ministers, from Jawaharlal Nehru to P. V. Narasimha Rao. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his important role in both Indian economic policymaking and scholarship. His vision of advancing economic research to drive India’s development led to the founding of CDS, which has an important place in the field of development studies.
The centenary celebrations will be held from October 19 to October 22, 2024, and will begin with a grand homecoming of CDS alumni from around the world on October 19 and 20. An alumni association will be formed to strengthen the ties between CDS alumni and the institute. Apart from this, CDS faculty would be delivering KN Raj memorial lectures across different universities and colleges in Kerala. The highlight of the event will be the K. N. Raj Centenary Conference, scheduled from October 20 to October 22.