Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies

About Us

The Government of India had decided in 2006 to honor the contribution of our Late Prime Minister, Hon’ble Shri Rajiv Gandhi by establishing Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Contemporary Studies in the University of Mumbai. This is also significant as the University celebrated its 150th year. The Ministry of Human Resource Development through the University Grants Commission, New Delhi has given financial assistance to the University for establishment of the Chair, which has now evolved into a Centre.

The Centre works within the broad theme of Globalization, Democracy and Development. The areas of interest are primarily on the theme of Panchayati Raj and Local Governance, Impact of Technology on Society, Secularism & Nation Building along with other areas of work such as Tribal Development, Social Justice, Livelihood and Food Security, Women’s Empowerment, Eco-System and Sustainable Development, Nuclear Disarmament and Peace Studies, Protection of Child Rights.

 

The following are the functions of the Centre.

• To coordinate and to provide a think tank in the area of studies drawing expertise and inputs from academic and from experts from other sectors like Government and other national /international NGOs.
• To provide a forum for inter university/intercollegiate Post Graduate and research level dialogues, discussion meetings, summer/winter institutes, involving other Universities/autonomous Institutions/PG Centres.
• To design and execute capacity-building programmes for teachers in higher education focused on the designated discipline of the Centre.
• To strengthen the role of Universities/Academics in Public Policy making.
• To conduct short-term courses in the concerned disciplines.
• Publications of proceedings.

 

The Centre is coming up with its own complex at the Kalina Campus of the University at of about 2 acre on the Bandra Kurla Complex region of the University. The proposed Centre will have a state of the art infrastructure similar to the one existing in renowned academic Centres. In addition, it will house a modernized library facility, seminar cum conference hall, a contemporary art gallery and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 400 with all modern amenities.

 

The Center’s activities are increasing rapidly. The Centre is an autonomous Centre having its own Governing Council and Academic Board.

 

The Centre has been able to generate Rs.3.25 Crore since its inception, as result of the special grant announced by Honorable Minister Shri Arjun Singh, Union Minister towards the infrastructure facilities of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies. The Centre has also generated Rs. 2.5 Crore both from HPCL and ONGC for setting up Rajiv Gandhi Endowment Chairs.

 

The Centre has registered fourteen doctoral scholars so far working on various themes / contemporary issues.

Courses

•     PhD in Inter-disciplinary Social Sciences in the areas of Contemporary Studies.
•     Short Term Courses in the thematic areas.

Activities

Activity  of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies during 2017 -2018

 

The Centre has registered 17 doctoral scholars so far and they are working on various themes of contemporary relevance.  Seven PhD students have been conferred PhD degree

 

• Two-day State level Seminar on “Social Movements and its Contemporary Relevance” held on 22nd – 23rd February, 2017 at the Rajiv Gandhi Conference Hall, Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan between 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
• Kranti Doibale, Department of English, University of Mumbai for delivering a special lectures to MSW studens on the topic “Communication Skills Activity and Tentative Session Plan” from 17th April, 2017 to 21st April, 2017 and 24th April, 2017 between 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
• Ms Gayatree Sathe for delivering a special lecture to MSW students on the topic “Gender and Health” on 21st July, 2017 between 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
• The Two-Day State Level Seminar on “Contemporary Social Issues in Maharashtra” on 27th & 28th July, 2017
• The two-day Workshop on “Rural Development” held on 28th & 29th September, 2017.
• Mr Amol Bhalerao for delivering a special lecture to MSW students on the topic “Introduction to Urban Studies” on 4th October, 2017 between 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m
• The two day Seminar on ‘National Adivasi Conference” in collaboration with National Centre for Advocacy Studies, Pune, held on 6th & 7th October, 2017.
• Three days’ Workshop on “Data Processing and Data Analysis” held on 1st November, 2017 to 3rd November, 2017
• One day Workshop titled “How to Write Research Project” on 17th February,2018 from 9.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
• Community Programme from 20th March, 2018 to 23rd March, 2018 in Tribal hamlets of Tara Village, Khairatwadi & Banubaichiwadi, Pen Taluka, Near Panvel, Maharashtra.
• The Special guest lecture by Dr. Bishnu Barik, Former Vice Chancellor, Sambalpur University, Orrisa on the topic “Panchayati Raj and Rural Development in Maharashtra” on 26th March, 2018 from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m
• Lecture by Dr. Machindra Sakate, Human Right Activist in Maharashtra and Sociologist titled “Contemporary Issues of Human Rights in Maharashtra”on 26^th March, 2018 from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m

 

 

Activity  of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies during 2018 -2019

• Special guest lecture by Dr.Sujata Patel, National Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Rashtrapati Bhavan from Shimla lecture titled “Employment Guarantee Scheme as a Democratic Interaction in Maharashtra “on 27th July, 2018 from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m at the ICSSR Conference Hall.
• Guest speaker Dr. Sandhya Devtale State Directorate, Maharashtra and Goa, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghatan, Yuva Karyakaram Khel Mantralaya, Government of India, on the occasion of Induction of new MSW batch 2018-2019 in the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies, University of Mumbai on 08th August, 2018 from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
• One-day Symposium on the topic titled “Atrocities against Denotified and Nomadic Tribes in Maharashtra” on 19th August 2018 from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. organised by the Centre in collobaration with Nirman Bahuuddeshiya Vikas Sanstha, Pune.
• Two days Interdisciplinary Workshop on “Research Methodology for Social Science” on 7th – 8th September 2018 from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
• Lecture by Ms. Smriti Rashmi Parhi, Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai on 15th October, 2018 on the topic “Introduction to Urban Studies” from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.
• Talk on “Careers in Development Sector” in association with Piramal Foundation on 28/11/2018 from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. The speaker is Dr. A.K.S. Suryavanshi, Chief Mentor, GIET foundation, Former Vice-Chancellor, SGT University, Gurugram.
• Two days College level Seminar on “Field Work in Social Work Education: Students Social Workers Perspective” on 10th-11th January,2019 organised by the Centre.
• Study Tour for the MSW Part II Students to Ahmedabad, Gujarat which is a part of MSW syllabus from 15th January,2019 to 21st January, 2019
• Two days National Conference on the theme “Communities as Vote Banks: Electoral Behaviour of Indian Voters on 25th and 26th January, 2019.
• Two days National Conference on the topic,” Science, Technology and Society” on 28th and 29th January 2019
• Community Programme for the 31 MSW Part I Students to the tribal hamlets in Tara Village, Khairatwadi & Banubaichiwadi, Pen Taluka, Near Panvel, Maharashtra. The Community Learning Programme is from 4th February, 2019 to 9th February, 2019
• Ocassion of Marathi Bhasha Divas on 27^th February, 2019 lecture delivered by Dr. Vinod Kumare, Department of Marathi, University of Mumbai from 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.
• “Using SPSS for Said Research” by Dr. Santosh Gite, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Statistics, University of Mumbai is arranged on 9th March, 2019 from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
• Breakdown in Modernization Process in India” on 27th March, 2019 from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre delivered by Dr. Uttam Bhoite, Executive Director, Bharati Veedyapeth, Pune.

 

 

Activity  of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies during 2019 -2020

• State level declamation contest held on 4th December, 2019 on “Patriotism & Nation Building” in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan office of State Director from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
• Two days National Seminar on the theme “Globalisation Governance and Democracy: Progressive Communications and Challenges” organised by the Rajiv Gandhi centre for Contemporary Studies, University of Mumbai,Vidyanagri Campus, Kalina Mumbai on 7th -8th February 2020 from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

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• 1^st Rajiv Gandhi Oration on Right to Information: Ushering a New Era of Governance by Mr. Wajahat Habibullah, Chief Information Commissioner on 21^st May 2006.
• Public Lecture on Role of Micro-Credit in Achieving Millennium Development Goals by Nobel Laureate Muhammud Yunus on 2^nd February, 2007.
• Talk on Higher Education Reforms by Mr. B.S. Baswan, Senior Consultant, Planning Commission on 3^rd March, 2007.
• Public Lecture on Globalisation, Agriculture and Rural Development: Opportunities and Challenges for EU-India Cooperation by Ms. Marrian Fischer Boel, European Commissioner for Trade and Agriculture on 9^th March, 2007.
• Talk on Prospects of Indian Economy and Higher Education in India by Prof. Kaushik Basu, Cornell University on 29^th March, 2007.
• Two day Conference in collaboration with The Ford Foundation titled New Life for the Old University: Renewing Research, Building Collabortion in Mumbai on 30^th and 31^st March, 2007.
• Distinguished Public Lecture on Financial Literacy by Thiru P. Chidambaram, Union Finance Minister on 20^thJuly, 2007.
• 2^nd Rajiv Gandhi Oration on Higher Education by Shri Arjun Singh, Union Minister for Human Resource Development on 24^th August, 2007.
• Public Lecture on Access To Education by Prof. Andre Beteille, Chairman, Indian Council for Social Science Research and Former Member, National Knowledge Commission on 5^th October, 2007.
• Public Lecture on Can Economic Prosperity and Declining Public Standard go together? by Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, (ex-IAS), Leader, Lok Satta Movement on 3^rd December, 2007.
• Talk on Culture and Consumption: Classical Music in Contemporary India and the Diaspora by historian Professor Lakshmi Subramaniam, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi on 14^th December, 2007.
• Talk on Globalization : A Critical Perspective by Professor Rajan G. Harshe, eminent Political Scientist and Vice Chancellor, University of Allahabad on 18^th December, 2007.
• Talk on Japan : A diminished Giant?” by Dr. Aftab Seth on 11^th January, 2008.
• First foundation day lecture on “India and the World After : A Vision for Future” by Hon’ble Shri Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India on 31^st March, 2008.
• “10 days Academic Writing workshop” in collaboration with ICSSR from 7^th July, 2008 to 17^th July, 2008.
• Advanced Winter School (Philosophy for the Social Sciences)” in collaboration with Centre for Philosophy, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore and ICSSR Western Regional Centre from 23^rd January, 2009 to 31^st January, 2009
• Book discussion on “Imagining India” by Shri Nandan Nilekani, Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies Limited on 18^th February, 2009.
• Two day Conference on “Public Policy in a Federal Setup” in collaboration with Centre for Advanced Study, Department of Economics on 19^th & 20^th February, 2009
• A Panel discussion on “Internal Security, Terrorism and Indo-Pak Relations” by Mr. Prakash Singh, IPS (Retd.) , Former Director General, Border Security Force, Mr. B. Raman, IPS (Retd.) Former Additional Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Mr. G. Parathasarthy, IFS (Retd.) Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Geoffrey Yaden , Editor, Nagaland Post on 24^th February, 2009
• Public lecture on “Gandhi and Modernity” by Prof. Akeel Bilgrami, Johnsonian Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Heyman Center for the Humanities, to be held on 22^nd December, 2010 jointly with The Group for Research in Indian Diaspora, A project under the UGC’s.
• The workshop on “Negotiating Social Chance and Human Rights Awareness through Theatre and the Politics of Art” on 11^th and 12^th January, 2011 in collaboration with English Department.
• A guest lecture series by Ambassador Jagdish Sharma, IFS (Retd.) on “Engaging Diaspora: Government of India’s Policy and Experiece” to be held on 8^th March, 2011.
• Two days Orientation and Guidance Lecture on “NET /SET Examination Workshop” for Arts, Science & Commerce Students, in collaboration with Dr. Sangeeta Pawar, Department of Commerce on 30^th & 31^st July, 2011
• A multi Dimensional Inter Collegiate Debate Competition on “Kartavya” in collaboration with India Against Corruption (IAC) on 6^th August, 2011.
• A special lecture on “Monetary Policy and Lesser Depression 2008?” delivered by Prof. Jeremy Edwards, University of Cambridge on 30^th August, 2011.
• A special lecture on “Social Capital, Gender and the Consumer Revolution in Early Modern Central Europe-?” delivered by Prof. Sheilagh Ogilvie, University of Cambridge on 8^th September, 2011.
• An International Storytelling Conference and festival called Magic of the Word’ Storytelling for Ecological Conversation and Inter-Racial Understanding in collaboration with the English Department, University of Mumbai from 7^th to 13^th October, 2011.
• A Mini-workshop on “Engaging Culture Studies A British Experience” by Prof. Colin MacCabe & Prof. Steve Connor Understanding in jointly with the Soiology Department, University of Mumbai on 28^th November, 2011.
• A Public lecture by Dr. Lissa Lincoln from the American University of Paris in collaboration with the French Department, University of Mumbai on 28^th February, 2012.
• Dr. Somik Lall, Lead Economist lecture based on recent work on Urbanization in India jointly with the Centre for Advanced Studies (CAS), Department of Economics, University of Mumbai on 24^th July, 2012.
• A lecture delivered by Dr. Lissa Lincoln, from the American University to the Centre from 11^th January, 2013 to 16^th January, 2013,in collaboration with French Department, University of Mumbai.
• A State level Convention on 11^th March, 2013 on Socio-Legal Rights of Muslim Women‘ in collaboration with Bharatiy Muslim Mahila Andolan and MARG, new Delhi.
• A Documentary Film Festival on Drought in Maharashtra‘ entitled “JANAWA DUSHKAL” was organized in collaboration with Marathi weekly Kalamnama’ on 9^th May 2013.

 

SEVERAL OF THE PUBLIC LECTURES / TALKS / ORATION ARE PUBLISHED BY THE CENTRE

Dr. Shailendra Deolankar

Professor and Director

School of International Relations and Strategic Studies (SIRSS)

University of Mumbai

Chair Professor (I/c)

Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies, University of Mumbai

Coordinator (I.c),

Department of Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Mumbai

Sir is a renowned researcher and columnist on international relations and foreign affairs for the last two decades. He completed his M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the prestigious School of International Studies – Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is a gold medalist of the Pune University for his Masters in Political Science. He has authored 10 books on international relations and foreign affairs and published research articles in national and international journals. He is a recognized research guide on International Relations.  He has been teaching international relations and he is a renowned strategic analyst on contemporary world politics.

Email (Office):head.rgccs@mu.ac.in

Contact Us

Dr. Shailendra Deolankar
Chair Professor (Ag)
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies,
Near Sanskrit Bhavan,
University of Mumbai,
Mumbai. Santacruz (E),
Vidyanagari 400098.INDIA.
Office Telephone: 022-26532048
Email: head.rgccs@mu.ac.in