The Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Trivandrum, celebrated its first Development Researcher’s Day on February 10th. This marks the death anniversary of K.N. Raj, the eminent development researcher. At the KN Raj Centennial celebration in October 2024, Chief Minister Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan had suggested that February 10 be celebrated as Development Researcher’s Day to foster engagement between experienced and young scholars.
The programme was moderated by Professor Suraj Jacob. Professor C. Veeramani, Director provided a brief overview of Development Researcher’s Day, followed by a series of presentations by faculty members and research scholars. Attendees included students, faculty members, and researchers. The Director discussed India’s share in the global value chain by comparing it to China and Vietnam. The major topics covered during the program included investor attention during the pandemic, ICT and credit behaviour for small enterprises, migrant labour exclusion and student attendance in preschools, intra-household bargaining for care work, and support networks for women experiencing violence in homes and at work.