The Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) is a prominent Indian research institute founded in 1963 by Rajni Kothari. It is known for its interdisciplinary work in the social sciences and humanities, with a focus on grassroots social and political practices. Supported primarily by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) since 1969, CSDS has redefined itself in the 21st century to bridge the social sciences and humanities, highlighting political thought within Indian languages and traditions. 

Lokniti, a CSDS program established in 1997, focuses on electoral politics, democratic patterns, and party dynamics, positioning itself as a leader in analyzing India’s electoral behavior. Lokniti’s work benefits from a national network of scholars from universities and research institutions across India, supporting collaborative studies like the National Election Studies, State of the Nation Surveys, and the Studies on Indian Youth. Through cross-sectional surveys, Lokniti provides insight into India’s evolving democracy and electoral trends.

CSDS-Lokniti also emphasizes quantitative research training, running an annual summer workshop on quantitative methods in political science since 2007, which has trained over 150 young researchers. The journal *Studies in Indian Politics*, launched in 2013, further amplifies this focus by publishing diverse methodological research on Indian politics.

With aims of supporting marginalized communities, developing comparative democratic frameworks, and fostering global academic collaboration, CSDS-Lokniti advocates a pluralistic, participatory model of democracy. Their approach challenges standardized governance models, valuing diverse, regionally relevant democratic ideals that underscore participatory engagement and intellectual inclusivity in Indian political discourse.

Lokniti-CSDS

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