The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) inaugurated the "India As Future: Research Workshop" today at its Mumbai Campus earlier today.

The four-day workshop, which will be held from 18–21 November 2025, brings together distinguished Indian and international scholars to reflect on India’s evolving position in global research, governance, and knowledge production.
The Inaugural Session began with a welcome address by Prof. Madhushree Sekher [(Chairperson, Office for International Affairs at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)], followed by the Keynote address delivered by Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari (Vice-Chancellor, TISS) titled “Captivating Optics: Understanding India”.

In his address, he highlighted India’s immense potential and emphasised that it is time the country is more widely recognised and cited on the global stage. He noted that, in the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat, institutions such as TISS must take the lead through robust research, knowledge production, and methodologies that respond to India’s evolving needs.

A panel discussion on “India and the Global Knowledge Economy” featured:
Prof. Manfred Max Bergman (Chair of Social Research and Methodology, University of Basel), Prof. Madhushree Sekher (Chairperson – OIA, TISS), Prof. Sunil Damodaran Santha (Dean – Academic Affairs, TISS), Prof. Bipin Jojo, (Dean, School of Social Work, TISS) and was moderated by Prof. Anil Sutar (Dean, School of Research Methodology, TISS).

Designed for Ph.D. scholars and early-career researchers, the Workshop aims to deepen methodological engagement and foster critical, interdisciplinary perspectives on India’s developmental and socio-political trajectories. We look forward to a week of insightful discussions and collaborative learning.