Empowering Social Change through Research: Inside Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development, Guwahati
Introduction
Located in the heart of the Northeast, the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD) in Guwahati, Assam stands as a premier research institute dedicated to understanding and facilitating social transformation and development across the region. Named after Omeo Kumar Das, a visionary leader and the first Education Minister of Assam, the institute seeks to address the developmental challenges of Northeast India through advanced social science research, policy engagement, and public discourse.
Let’s delve into its formation, affiliations, academic offerings, infrastructure, placement initiatives, and more.
Establishment of the Institute
The Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD) was established in 1989 as a collaborative venture between the Government of Assam and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi.
- Named in honor of Omeo Kumar Das, a social reformer and Gandhian thinker.
- Founded to create an institutional platform for research on issues of social transformation, policy planning, and regional development in Northeast India.
- Legally registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
Affiliations and Recognitions
OKDISCD functions as one of the ICSSR-recognized Regional Research Institutes, ensuring high academic credibility and strong national connections.
- Affiliated with ICSSR, a body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- Collaborates with various universities and international research bodies.
- Supported by both state and central government agencies, especially for sponsored research and capacity-building projects.
Academic and Research Courses Offered
Although OKDISCD does not offer traditional undergraduate or postgraduate degrees like conventional universities, it provides a range of research-based programs and fellowships aimed at nurturing scholars in social sciences.
Major Academic Programs:
- Ph.D. in Social Sciences (in collaboration with Dibrugarh University and other universities)
- ICSSR Doctoral Fellowships
- Short-term Capacity Building Programs for young faculty and Ph.D. scholars
- Workshops and Seminars on data analysis, research methodology, and regional issues
- Training Programs on development planning and public policy
Facilities at the Institute
OKDISCD provides an intellectually stimulating environment with modern infrastructure and academic resources to aid researchers.
Campus and Infrastructure:
- Well-equipped Library with over 15,000 titles and numerous national and international journals
- Digital Resources and access to e-journals for advanced research
- Conference Halls for seminars and public discourse
- Computer Labs with SPSS, STATA, and other analytical tools
- Wi-Fi Enabled Campus
Additional Facilities:
- Guest House & Hostel for visiting scholars and resident fellows
- Research Cell and Documentation Center
- Publication Unit for research papers, books, and policy briefs
- Archives on Northeast Indian socio-political development
Placement and Career Opportunities
Though OKDISCD is primarily a research institute and not a placement-focused university, the scholars trained here are often recruited into prestigious positions in academia, policymaking, and development sectors.
Career Paths of Alumni:
- University and College Faculty in reputed institutions
- Researchers and Analysts in think tanks and policy institutes
- Administrative and Planning Officers in Government services
- Development Professionals in NGOs and International Organizations (e.g., UNDP, World Bank)
Research Activities and Focus Areas
OKDISCD is a beacon for interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research. Its focus spans both academic rigor and practical application in addressing Northeast India’s social, cultural, economic, and political issues.
Key Research Themes:
- Migration and Displacement
- Tribal Development and Ethnicity
- Gender Studies
- Urbanization and Informality
- Governance and Public Policy
- Education and Human Development
- Environment and Sustainability
Notable Research Projects:
- Study on Internally Displaced Persons in Assam
- Tribal livelihood and identity in Northeast India
- Governance and health systems in tribal areas
- Women’s participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions
Publications and Contributions
OKDISCD is a prolific contributor to academic literature and public discourse.
- Books, Research Papers, and Monographs published regularly
- OKDISCD Working Paper Series
- Contribution to ICSSR journals and national periodicals
- Frequently consulted by policy planners and ministries
Collaborations and MoUs
The institute has active collaborations with various national and international research bodies, enhancing its reach and impact.
Partner Institutions Include:
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
- University of Sussex, UK
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)
- North Eastern Hill University (NEHU)
- Dibrugarh University
- UN bodies and national policy think tanks
Address and Contact Details
Institute Name: Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD)
Address: VIP Road, Upper Hengrabari, Guwahati – 781036, Assam, India
Phone: +91-361-3510171 / +91-361-3510172
Email: director.okdiscd@gmail.com | okdinst@gmail.com
Website: www.okd.in
Conclusion
The Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development serves as a hub for regional understanding, academic research, and impactful policy development. With its strong focus on Northeast India, OKDISCD is instrumental in shaping the future of governance, cultural studies, gender equity, and inclusive growth in one of India’s most diverse and dynamic regions.
Whether you’re a research scholar, a policy planner, or simply someone passionate about social transformation, OKDISCD is a place where meaningful ideas take root and evolve.
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