Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the ICSSR Research Internship Programme in Social and Human Sciences on Thursday. The initiative is aimed at fostering research skills among postgraduate students in social sciences, aligning with India’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development, according to a press release from the Ministry of Education.
Programme Highlights
- Appointment and Awards:
- Appointment letters were distributed to the 40 selected research interns.
- Prizes were awarded to winners of the National Argumentative Essay Writing Competition on Simultaneous Elections in India: One Nation, One Election.
- Focus on Skill Development:
The programme integrates academic knowledge with employability skills, focusing on:- Research methodologies and tools.
- Hands-on experience in ideation, data collection, and report presentation.
- Real-world applications under the guidance of mentors from universities, think tanks, and industries.
- Multidisciplinary Approach:
Interns represent diverse disciplines, including:- Sociology, Applied Psychology, Development Studies, Population Studies, and Public Health.
- Research aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contextualized in India’s G-20 presidency declaration.
Minister’s Address
- National Development:
Pradhan highlighted the importance of social science research in achieving national goals, embracing technological changes like AI, and supporting civilizational and economic progress. - National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
- Emphasis on quality social science research.
- Promotion of internships under the National Credit Framework (NCrF) to enhance employability and skill development.
- Civilizational Ethos:
The Minister underscored the role of robust research in strengthening Bharatiyata, ensuring India’s ancient values are sustained while embracing modernity.
Selection Process and Response
- The programme received 3,600 applications nationwide.
- A rigorous selection process ensured inclusivity, selecting 40 candidates representing various domains.
Unique Features of the Programme
- Integration of modern education and skills with traditional knowledge.
- Workshops and training focused on research for the 17 SDGs.
- Designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and employability skills.
The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Anusandhan (research) as a critical driver of Bharat’s development and aims to equip youth with skills for quality research in social and human sciences.