The Centre for the Study of Social Systems (CSSS) of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has made it to No. 1 in the QS World University Rankings. It has got top billing for its grass roots research and eclectic faculty. CSSS has 450 students of which 75 students are junior research fellows and 26 are PhD holders. “Our students come from diverse cultural, social and historical backgrounds. They go to the field and conduct qualitative research by meeting people who are deprived of real growth and development,” said V Sujata, chairperson, CSSS.
For international exposure, CSSS is also running a global studies programme (GSP) wherein students from five nations, including India, Germany, Argentina, South Africa and Thailand, share their cultural ethos in the first semester. “A student has submitted a synopsis on the adverse effect of media on social behaviour of women after the December 16 gangrape. Such subjects develop critical thinking,” said another official. CSSS has published six monographs, seven edited volumes, 22 chapters and 13 articles under the category of faculty publications. “We compare the viewpoints of societies with a holistic point of view,” added Sujata.